Sandra‘s Closet

What a whirlwind of events! While filming in Istanbul with little time to spare, the fashion world delivered a major surprise: John Galliano announced his departure from Maison Margiela after a decade at the helm of the OTB-owned brand.

John Galliano

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Galliano shared the news, writing, «Today is the day I say goodbye to Maison Margiela… I am forever grateful for this safe space to create and build a new family that supports me with courage and dignity.» He extended his thanks to his atelier team and Renzo Rosso, OTB’s chairman.

The move marks the end of an era for the house, originally established by the famously reclusive Martin Margiela. The brand gave Galliano the opportunity to rebuild his career and reputation following his controversial exit from Dior in 2011. Over the years, Galliano transformed Margiela with his signature theatricality, camp-infused creations, and innovative, deconstructed designs. He also championed gender-fluid fashion and elevated the brand’s «Artisanal» line to unprecedented levels of craftsmanship.

Me in the Maison Margiela Haute Couture studio after the amazing show in the beginning of the year, which is just next to Galliano’s office.

Under his leadership, Margiela saw significant commercial success, with a 22% rise in sales in 2023, even as the broader luxury market faced challenges. His legacy was solidified with a sensational January 2024 show in Paris, where historical couture-inspired characters roamed a haunting, mist-filled space under a bridge, complete with striking, mask-like makeup by Pat McGrath. Galliano leaves behind a storied chapter in Margiela’s history.

Galliano did not elaborate on his future plans, instead saying that «when the time is right, all will be revealed.»

Matthieu Blazy for CHANEL

I was hoping that he would be appointed at CHANEL but today the French Maison announced Matthieu Blazy as its new creative director, succeeding Virginie Viard, who departed in June. Blazy, formerly the creative head at Bottega Veneta, is recognized for his craftsmanship and innovative designs. His appointment is anticipated to infuse fresh energy into the French Maison’s iconic aesthetic. Blazy is expected to present his inaugural collection for CHANEL during Paris Fashion Week in October 2025. 

Louise Trotter for Bottega Veneta

Meanwhile in the past hours, Louise Trotter has been announced as the new creative director of Bottega Veneta, taking over from Matthieu Blazy. Known for her transformative work at brands like Lacoste and Carven, Trotter brings a refined design aesthetic and a strong sense of cultural awareness to the role. She is set to start at the luxury house in January 2025, making her the only woman currently leading a brand under Kering’s ownership. This appointment highlights her unique vision and the potential for a fresh chapter at Bottega Veneta.

One of the conglomerate’s biggest fashion brands, Fendi, has yet to name a new womenswear designer after Kim Jones stepped down from the role in October. I guess that Galliano will head up there. These significant shifts reflect the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, with Galliano, Blazy and Trotter poised to shape new creative directions in their respective roles.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands / © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Another designer to make a career move…, Fendi artistic director Kim Jones is leaving the Italian fashion house but will stay on at Dior Homme, LVMH said in a statement, the latest in a series of designer shuffles at big name labels as the industry adjusts to a downturn.

A new creative organisation for the label will be announced «in due time,» the company said. One of the industry’s highest profile designers, Jones succeeded Karl Lagerfeld at the label in 2020, designing ready-to-wear and couture collections.

Demi Moore walking the Fendi Couture runway in January 2021.

Described as «the hardest working in man in fashion» by ELLE UK’s editor-in-chief Kenya Hunt for a December 2023 profile, Jones has previously held the top job at Louis Vuitton (Men’s) having risen up the ranks of the industry by way of non-profit incubator Fashion East.

Last week, LVMH named Michel Rider to succeed Hedi Slimane at Celine, and in September named Sarah Burton to take over creative direction at Givenchy.

LoL, Sandra

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

No sweet tooth goes unsatisfied with this crazy collaboration. FENDI x Chupa Chups® is all about carrying your favorite lollipop in a fancy leather holder around your neck as a necklace or thanks to the adjustable strap attached to a bag.

Presented by Kim Jones at his Fendi F/W 2024 ready-to-wear show in Milan, the innovative and amusing design was created to enclose the exclusive FENDI x Chupa Chups® lollipop. Made of soft leather with details that recall the iconic Selleria technique and embellished with a metal FF logo, a magnetic closure, the adjustable, knotted strap allows you to attach the charm to any accessory, to customize every outfit with a special touch.
The charm includes an exclusive FENDI x Chupa Chups® box that contains five limited edition Cacao-Vanilla lollipops, a symbolic tribute to the five Fendi sisters.

This bag charm must-have will surely be seen among many fashion lovers. Treat yourself here!

The necklace is available here.

LoL, Sandra

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

HENNESSY X.O UNVEILS MASTERPIECE COLLABORATION WITH KIM JONES

In a first for the Maison, the acclaimed fashion designer transcends couture and cognac in a special collection featuring a collectible sneaker, Masterpiece decanter, and Limited Edition bottle.

Hennessy is pleased to announce a collaboration with the world-renowned British Artistic Director Kim Jones. In an audacious meeting of two icons, the Hennessy X.O x Kim Jones collection bridges street and luxury in a unique celebration of the legendary blend’s impact on culture. Interweaving the richness of Hennessy X.O’s 150-year heritage with Kim Jones’ creative vision, the collaboration features the Hennessy X.O Masterpiece designed by Kim Jones, the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition bottle by Kim Jones, and in a first for the brand, the HNY Low by Kim Jones. This also marks the first time Maison Hennessy has partnered with a fashion designer, and that Kim Jones collaborates with a spirits brand.

HNY Low by Kim Jones

«We are thrilled to embark on a new odyssey blending cognac-making and couture with Kim Jones, a creative master of our time,» said Laurent Boillot, Hennessy CEO. «Inspired by the emblematic personality of Hennessy X.O, Kim has developed a resolutely contemporary collection that is destined to make an impact on culture today and in the future.»

For Hennessy X.O, Kim Jones pays tribute to cognac-making and couture, two processes that touch on an understanding of science and the natural world as well as artisanal craftsmanship and savoir-faire. He follows in the footsteps of a formidable lineage of great masters who have helped cement Hennessy X.O’s cultural resonance over the years, including Frank Gehry, Cai Guo-Qiang and Ridley Scott.

«I’m fascinated by the rich heritage of Hennessy, a household name behind which artisans have spent hundreds of years creating this special cognac,» says Kim Jones. «Storytelling is very important for me regardless of what I’m designing or who I’m collaborating with – I want my designs to educate and inspire people through the stories they tell.»

WHERE COGNAC MEETS COUTURE: THE HENNESSY X.O MASTERPIECE AND HENNESSY X.O
LIMITED EDITION DESIGNED BY KIM JONES

Designed exclusively for Hennessy by Kim Jones, produced using 3D printing technology, and finished by hand, the sculptural Hennessy X.O Masterpiece has been produced in a limited edition of just 200 examples. The decanter demonstrates how humanity and technology can work together to create something unique, «like a piece of bespoke couture for a bottle,» the designer notes.

The Hennessy X.O Masterpiece

The Hennessy X.O Masterpiece draws inspiration from the making of Hennessy X.O, an art perfected by eight generations of Master Blenders. A specially developed titanium casing entirely encapsulates the bottle like an architectural second skin. Its twisting folds evoke both the couture technique of draping and the way in which, at the turn of the 20th century, Hennessy bottles were carefully hand-enveloped in tissue paper as a way of protecting their fragile parchment paper labels. Its base, an undulating oak plateau, nods to the barrels used to age eaux-de-vie that would eventually be blended to create Hennessy X.O.

While the bottle is entirely obscured from view, the cognac can be extracted using the fusil designed by Kim Jones, an elegant and playful ritual to serve a glass of the Hennessy X.O blend. As a finishing touch, the decanter itself has been dipped in gradient colors, an effect inspired by the shades of the different eaux-de-vie selected by the Master Blender to compose Hennessy X.O.

Says Kim Jones: «When I saw how the vintage Hennessy bottles were wrapped, it spoke volumes to me about how precious each one is, and how they were handled. I was particularly touched by their history, and the sense of how generations have dedicated their time to making each step of the process better and better. That same process also holds true with fashion.»

The Hennessy X.O Limited Edition

The third element of the collaboration is the Hennessy X.O Limited Edition ‘ready-to-wear’ version of the decanter specially imagined by Kim Jones. The Hennessy X.O bottle is encased in an aluminum second skin, its structure showcasing the signature shape of the bottle while evoking a couture silhouette. A true representation of the merger of fashion and culture with excellence and legacy, the limited edition bottle is the final piece of the Hennessy X.O x Kim Jones partnership.

The Hennessy X.O Limited Edition by Kim Jones is available exclusively at Globus for CHF 241.50 now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hennessy
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! DRINK RESPONSIBLY!

Dior presents the CD 1947 capsule

Dior is unveiling an exclusive new men’s capsule, CD 1947, celebrating the infinitely rich dialogue between Kim Jones and the legacy of Monsieur Dior. Inspired by the founding couturier’s love of nature and gardens, the creations are distinguished by their sportswear cuts and technically advanced materials, ideal for the outdoors; thick canvas and polar knits are combined in silhouettes that merge elegance and minimalist spirit.

T-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts and Bermuda shorts are available in a palette of soft, luminous shades, from light blue to beige, including the Dior Gray, a favorite of the House. Emblazoning this new line, the «Christian Dior» signature and «1947» – the year of Monsieur Dior’s first fashion show – feature on ready-to-wear items and accessories.

A bob, a bandana, a belt or even B27 sneakers, reinvented in the colors of the capsule, are adorned with these essential symbols, also embroidered on the Saddle and Dior Lingot 50 bags. A jewelry series and a carabiner embellished with the initials «CD˚ complete this wardrobe, an invitation to travel and adventure.

The ultimate surprise, a gardening set pays tribute to Christian Dior’s passion for the art of gardening. This limited-edition ensemble is composed of a folding leather seat – evoking the curves of the Saddle – and a leather-clad shovel and rake, specially designed for this capsule with the finest craftsmanship; all objects of desire to be discovered from June 2022.

Dior and Birkenstock present an unprecedented collaboration Dior by Birkenstock

«Thankfully, there are flowers,» said Christian Dior. He was known as a gallery owner, an architecture enthusiast, and a passionate fashion designer, but he also delighted in gardening. It was in Granville, in the rose garden of the family home overlooking the sea, that this fascination with the interweaving of nature and culture blossomed in his childhood.

Alongside his mother, Madeleine, the young christian enriched his knowledge of botany among the roses, wisteria, maritime pines and reseda. «I loved more than anything else to learn by heart the names and descriptions of flowers in the color catalogs published by the Vilmorin-Andrieux house», wrote monsieur Dior in his memoirs.

For the Dior Men’s F/W 2022 collection, the house and Kim Jones pay tribute to this passion, joining forces with Birkenstock for the first time to reinvent two of its iconic models. Standing for function and quality, the German brand creates unique shoes – both in form and function – to support walking as nature intended, drawing from a heritage that can be traced back to 1774, the year when shoemaker brothers Johannes and Johann Adam Birkenstock set out on their orthopedically inspired footwear journey – a commitment to craftsmanship they passed down from one generation to the next.

The Milano, launched in 1965, was designed as an outdoor sandal for active people and nature lovers, whereas the Tokyo model was launched in 1987 as protective footwear for walking and professions requiring a lot of standing. Both of the collaboration’s felt or suede models are dressed in the season’s hues, in addition to essential Dior gray.

Celebrating the art of gardening, they serve up functional style thanks to rubber details and industrial buckles. The result of a unique creative dialogue, Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped orthopedic cork footbed is lined with smooth leather, while the outsole combines the Dior oblique pattern with the German brand’s signature bones graphic.

As a final surprise, an exceptional version of the Tokyo, hand-embroidered with delicate flowers, completes the show’s couture silhouettes, a new symbol of Christian Dior’s love for nature. A contemporary ode to functionality and elegance, reflecting several skills of excellence.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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.

Named «The Celestial Snow Globe», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2021, has been created by Kim Jones, Artistic Director of the Dior men’s collections. This unique, contemporary tree – luminous and crystalline in its transparency and purity – tells a Christmas story woven from emotions and dreams.

Evoking the idea of a magnificent snow globe, this year’s dazzling tree is an enchanting object of desire, illuminated with magical sparkles and reflecting snowflakes, travelling across the surface. State-of-the-art holographic projections are mixed with toile, recalling the emblematic toile of the Dior Haute Couture Ateliers, while traditional pleating techniques are also highlighted, a tribute by Kim Jones to the excellence of the Dior Ateliers «petites mains». These projections radiate from the base, upwards and beyond the tree, creating magical visuals around the space and up the famous staircase, all set against an atmospherically lit lobby.

«It has been a great honour for me to have designed the Christmas Tree for Claridge’s and thus brought Dior, London and the Christmas spirit together in this iconic place.» – Kim Jones

In another nod to the House’s heritage, the Christmas baubles, that seem to float in orbit around the tree, reflect Dior’s iconic motifs. These include, stars – Monsieur Dior’s celestial good-luck charm – and miniature perfume bottles in the form of Monsieur Dior’s dog, Bobby, who was symbolically reinterpreted and celebrated by Kim Jones for his first Dior show.

This whimsical homage to the House’s founder continues with Kim Jones’s faithful canine companion, Cookie, perched on top of the 6.5 meter tree, delicately hugging Monsieur Dior’s lucky star. The star echoes the shape of the talisman that Monsieur Dior treasured in his office – a decisive sign of his destiny that played a key role in his decision to create his couture house in 1946.

So beautiful and different… and by the way, I could totally see Kim Jones becoming the new Artistic Director of CHANEL. Lagerfeld started at Fendi, too. Just saying…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Claridge’s

This is definitely the year of designer collaborations. I can barely keep track, haha! Versace partnered with Fendi for FENDACI, Gucci tapped both The North Face and Balenciaga, while Chloé teamed up with Fusalp for a collection of skiwear. Now comes another collaboration that might sell out immediately: Kim Jones and Kim Kardashian West have joined forces for FENDI x SKIMS.

A creative clash of two seemingly opposing visions, united by a shared appreciation for empowered femininity and modern luxury. The signature FENDI style codes and the revolutionary aesthetic of SKIMS come together in an exclusive limited-edition edit of ready to wear and accessories.

«The innovation in fabrics and fit typical to Skims paired with the luxury and quality of Fendi may feel unexpected to some people, but the similarities between our creative vision and goals are so closely aligned,» Kardashian West said in the original press release. «It’s that tension that excites me.»

This partnership makes complete sense and forgive me, father, for liking FENDI & SKIMS. Kim’s obsession for body-conscious silhouettes and Fendi’s iconic logo and elevated sportswear, this is a match made in marketing heaven.

Shop the collection at fendiskims.com from Monday, November 9 at 3pm CET and in FENDI boutiques worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

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

Happy Lunar Year 2021! The Year of the Ox has officially started today and Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and more luxury brands welcome it in great style with Chinese New Year-inspired fashion. These collections will hit the Western markets during the next weeks, and it is your chance to add a festive touch to your closet.

Louis Vuitton welcomes the Year of the Ox with a special selection of gift-ready leather goods, accessories and other precious tokens. From the recently released SINCE 1854 Monogram Jacquard to the most iconic leather goods, Louis Vuitton’s gift selection has something to suit every style and sensibility.

The Fendi Chinese New Year Capsule Collection, launched in Greater China already in January, will be available in the rest of the world from April 2021. It is a beautiful collection of ready-to-wear and limited edition bags, featuring red and pink colors, as well as blossoms and other floral designs signature to the lunar year.

Burberry presents the New Year with a forward-looking fashion collection featuring supermodel Liu Wen with Wang Xiangguo in their campaign lensed by Feng Li.

In honor of Lunar New Year, Dior unveils a celebratory capsule collection of accessories and footwear in rich red and gold hues for women. For men, Dior launches an exclusive men’s capsule reinterpreting the powerful creative dialogue between Kim Jones and Californian artist Shawn Stussy.

In honor of the Year of the Ox, meet Ozzie – a symbol of strength and reliability. Tory Burch celebrates Lunar New Year with a beautiful collection dedicated to  health, happiness and prosperity that is featuring something red for good luck.

Gucci’s ode to the upcoming Lunar New Year is definitely one of the more fun collections. Featuring «Doraemon», the famous blue Japanese manga and anime character – a cat-robot, this special collection for men and women, you’ll see Doraemon in his classic blue colour and also dressed up in a brown colour and puts on his horns as well.

Versace’s Lunar New Year 2021 capsule collection focuses on local traditions and sees vibrant and uplifting prints that showcase new interpretations of the brand’s Medusa motif to celebrate the ox.

For more gift ideas to celebrate Chinese New Year, have a look at this previous post here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Collages: © Sandra Bauknecht

Breaking news from LVMH this morning, Kim Jones will join Fendi as artistic director for womenswear collections. In his first substantive foray into womenswear, he will oversee haute couture, ready-to-wear and fur. The designer will continue in his role as artistic director at Dior Homme, another LVHM-owned Maison.

I loved Kim’s first Dior Homme campaign for S/S 2019: shot by the legendary Steven Meisel, models were posing in relaxed tailoring. 

Previously, Jones worked as menswear director at Louis Vuitton, before he moved to Dior’s menswear in 2018 where he invigorated the House by mixing sports and streetwear references with skillful luxury tailoring. Jones even reinterpreted some of the iconic pieces like the Bar Suit for men. Born in 1973 in Hammersmith, London, he is a graduate of Central St Martins College of Art and Design. He was raised in Kenya, where his father worked as a hydrogeologist. Throughout his childhood, he also traveled through Ecuador, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Botswana, and brought this wanderlust into his adult life. He claims to have visited Japan «around 70 or 80 times.»

Celebrity friend: David Beckham wore a Dior Homme suit designed by Kim Jones for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

Jones knows the industry from all angles. As well a being a designer, he’s worked as a stylist and art director for Dazed & Confused, Arena Homme+, Pop, AnOther, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, 10 Men, V Man, i-D, Numéro Homme, and Fantastic Man.

While streetwear’s and activewear’s presence in the luxury fashion sphere might seem normal these days (especially during the recent pandemic), it hasn’t always been the case. However, Kim Jones was one of the first designers to preempt the merge.

Karl Lagerfeld with Silvia Venturini Fendi

With the death of Karl Lagerfeld last year, Fendi lost its designer of more than 54 years. This was the longest time ever, a designer had reigned at a fashion house. Silvia Venturini Fendi, who had stepped into Lagerfeld’s role in the interim, will return to focusing on accessories and menswear collections, Fendi’s statement said.

Punk meets couture: Dior Homme’s ad campaign for F/W 2019

«Kim Jones has continuously proven his ability to adapt to the codes and heritage of the LVMH houses while revisiting them with great modernity and audacity,» said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, the luxury conglomerate that owns both brands.

According to Fendi, Jones will present his first ready-to-wear collection for the label in the F/W 2021 during Milan Fashion Week in February, that will hopefully take place.
Are you ready for the next level of FENDIMANIA?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Fendi / Dior