Sandra‘s Closet

Featuring vivid hues and magnified ultra-graphic prints which play with the LV Monogram Giant motif, the LV Crafty collection expertly blends fine craftsmanship and pop style.
Its creations draw inspiration from two artistic movements from the second half of the 20th century: graffiti art and neo-expressionism. During the 1980s these urban, underground trends ventured into new and established creative territories, including New York museums and galleries.

NéoNoé bucket LV Crafty cream & red, in Monogram coated canvas

Today, the LV Crafty collection is suffused with this graphic boldness which first adorned the Monogram canvas. The collection revisits a print chosen from the House’s archives and paired with the Monogram Giant motif in black. Available in two colour schemes, cream and red or the more autumnal cream and caramel, LV Crafty appears on the House’s most iconic pieces – Onthego, NéoNoé and Boite Chapeau Souple.

Boite Chapeau Souple bag LV Crafty cream & red, in Monogram coated canvas

The Monogram Empreinte leather has also embraced the LV Crafty print, adding subtle and elegant touches around the chapes, on the handles and to the accessories, which brighten up and energise the sleek black or white leather.

Twist MM LV Crafty in black grained Epi leather, braided handle and printed cowhide charm

The collection will make its debut in all Louis Vuitton stores at the end of July, highlighting the House’s wide range of expertise for a full selection of trainers, accessories, ready-to-wear, travel and more to start off the fall season in style.

LoL, Sandra

Onthego tote LV Crafty caramel & cream, in Monogram coated canvas

Onthego tote LV Crafty cream & red, in Monogram coated canvas

Onthego tote LV Crafty Monogram Empreinte black, in embossed supple grained cowhide leather

Metis bag LV Crafty Monogram Empreinte cream, in embossed supple grained cowhide leather

Photos: © Benoit Peverelli for Louis Vuitton

Yesterday, Givenchy announced the appointment of its new designer, effective of today. Matthew M. Williams, the 34-year-old founder of luxury streetwear-inspired label 1017 ALYX 9SM, known simply as Alyx, will be its new creative director. Matthew M. Williams will take on all creative responsibilities for Women’s and Men’s collections. This marks the designer’s first major director role and a new direction for the LVMH-owned brand. He succeeds Clare Waight Keller after her exit in April, and will present his first collection in Paris in October. Williams will continue to operate Alyx independently.

Matthew M. Williams by Paolo Roversi

It is the second time a designer rooted in street fashion has taken the helm of a major legacy luxury brand, following Virgil Abloh’s hiring at Louis Vuitton in 2018.

It is an interesting and troubled time for the fashion industry in general. According to BoF, «the pandemic is expected to shrink the luxury market by as much as 35 percent this year due to store closures and decreased travel and consumer spending.»

«I believe [Williams’] singular vision of modernity will be a great opportunity for Givenchy to write its new chapter with strength and success,» said Sidney Toledano, chairman and Chief Executive of LVMH’s Fashion Group, in a statement.

Williams will surely focus on materials and sustainability which might attract also new Givenchy costumers as consumers were already demanding more transparency about the environmental impact of fashion products before the pandemic. In light of the recession, quality and craftsmanship will likely take on even greater weight for shoppers. Let’s see what the future brings…

Matthew M. Williams states: «I am extremely honored to join the House of Givenchy. The Maison’s unique position and timeless aura make it an undeniable icon and I am looking forward to working together with its ateliers and teams, to move it into a new era, based on modernity and inclusivity. I am grateful to the LVMH group for trusting me with the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream. In these unprecedented times for the world, I want to send a message of hope, together with my community and colleagues, and intend to contribute towards positive change.»

Matthew M. Williams will present his first collection for the House of Givenchy in Paris in October.
TO SHOP GIVENCHY ONLINE, CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

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

I am truly counting down the days until life will hopefully back to normal. I miss travelling, a good party among friends, going dancing and dressing up not only for the bathroom… This Ralph & Russo sweater has become my absolute favorite spring piece as you can change its look so easily. Cut from the softest white cashmere, it detaches at the asymmetric neckline and blouson sleeve, depending on how you want to style it.

My look: Convertible asymmetric cashmere sweater by Ralph & Russo, fake fur fox toy stole by Moschino, appliquéd merino wool-felt beret by Burberry, chain-embellished macramé and leather pumps by Bottega Veneta, dark blue leather pants and Mini Dauphine bag, both by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
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Yesterday marked the launch of Louis Vuitton‘s LV Pont 9 shoulder bag. The Maison’s most important bag debut of the year is available in five colours. I went for blue which will officially launch on June 26. This French-chic shoulder bag takes cues from both the past and present, and got its name from the famous Pont Neuf bridge in Paris. The design is a classic silhouette of a flap bag, with smooth curved edges and a vintage appeal.

My look: Coated cotton-blend midi dress and chain-embellished macramé and leather pumps, both by Bottega Veneta, wool-jacquard cape by Burberry, LV Pont 9 shoulder bag in blue by Louis Vuitton, and Aurora oversized butterfly acetate sunglasses by Zimmermann.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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I am so proud to share with you today’s news which I have exclusively for Switzerland. Meet your new must-have: the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag, Louis Vuitton’s latest embodiment of effortless Parisian chic and a new symbol of its ongoing commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Perfect for both everyday and special occasions, this new design takes its name from Paris’ Pont Neuf, the oldest and most celebrated bridge that sits opposite Louis Vuitton’s headquarters in Paris. It also marks the first release of the House’s new LV Pont 9 leather line.

The bag’s refined, rounded design is brought to life in smooth, lightly padded calfskin and finishes with the exclusive Louis Vuitton Circle, a 1930s archive logo reinterpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière, the House’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, and used on both the bag’s flap – as a closure – and strap. The interior, in sleek and colourful leather, features a smart design with two compartments and two practical pockets. A careful attention to detail is revealed in both the bag’s gusseted construction that adds both structure and extra space, in addition to subtle «hidden« features such as the novel Monogram flower-inspired magnetic closure.

The LV Pont 9 bag is available in a diverse range of striking colours. Alongside the understated and elegant Noir and delicate Crème is a palette of more vibrant tones: deep sunset-like Summer Gold; feminine and vibrant Rose Dahlia; and soft and dreamy Bleu Orage.
Contemporary, yet instantly classic, and superbly crafted, the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag is an enchanting addition to Louis Vuitton’s 150-year tradition of innovative leather goods.

The LV Pont 9 shoulder bag launches today in Louis Vuitton stores around the world in Black, Crème and Summer Gold. And on June 26th in Blue and Pink.
Price: CHF 3’400.-

Below you will find some photos about the amazing craftsmanship that goes into each of these beautiful LV Pont 9 bags. A new classic just born.

The new must-have bag has been spotted at many celebrities around the world.
I will pick up mine today… which colour do you think I got?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

From chess and backgammon travel cases, to poker and croquet trunks, the House’s made-to-order games collection has expanded and evolved over the years, continuing in Louis Vuitton’s grandson, Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s, love of sports and games. Now, Louis Vuitton presents new additions to the gaming collection with its pocket Billiards table and Babyfoot (French for table football) as the ideal gift for the cue-sports lovers among us.

Louis Vuitton Pocket Billiard in Monogram

Available in the iconic Monogram motif, designed in 1896 by Louis Vuitton’s son Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father, the table also comes in the darker Monogram Eclipse or Damier Graphite, bringing a patterned touch to any interior. Versions in Epi leather with its undulated texture, present a splash of colour in cyan and fuchsia, with the added option of a bi-coloured navy and pistachio variation or caramel and white in smooth leather.

Louis Vuitton Pocket Billiards
1. Damier Graphite – 2. Cyan Epi leather – 3. Fuchsia Epi leather – 4. Bi-coloured Navy and Pistachio Epi leather – 5. Monogram Eclipse – 6. Caramel and White leather

Babyfoot by Louis Vuitton in Monogram

Created with identical craftsmanship to that of a Louis Vuitton trunk, House canvases or leathers sheath the Billiards table’s and Babyfoot’s wooden body. Emblematic Louis Vuitton savoir-faire perfects the table’s design with delicate leather corners in the brand’s naturally tanned cowhide leather – each edge meticulously dyed with numerous layers of hand-applied paint.
Hand-pressed metallic hardware finishes the tables, each stud engraved with the House’s signature.

Babyfoot by Louis Vuitton
1. Damier Graphite – 2. Caramel and White leather – 3. Monogram Eclipse – 4. Cyan – 5. Fuchsia – 6. Pistachio

The tables are completed by carefully packed, essential accessories including billiard balls painted with flowers from the Monogram pattern encircling the numbers. Two pairs of leather and Monogram two-piece cues slot snuggly into place while a hot-stamped leather triangle completes the kit.

The players of the Babyfoot, inspired by Louis Vuitton’s «Groom», the famed character from the House’s 1921 advertising images, are each hand-cast in aluminium and, as a true testament of Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire and history of personalisation, each player is meticulously handpainted by expert artisans in team colours to compliment the custom canvas or leather table. Artisanal, jewel-like counting coins boast a striking hand-painted Monogram flower, making tallying record wins even more satisfying.

Love it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

I love peonies, they are my favorite flowers. It is such a pity that their season is very limited, usually May to June. I love their frilly ruffles of petals and it always amazes me how such a beautiful flower can bloom from such a small tight hard bud. To me, they are the most beautiful right before they die. My daughter said something very sweet to me recently: «Mum, if you were a flower, you would definitely be a peony as you get more beautiful with age.»

Today’s look is inspired by this gem of nature. Burgundy and pink worn together is a colour combination that I personally absolutely adore. When the two hues meet, it’s pure magic.

My look: Katerina merino wool sweater and Wade high-rise flared jeans, both by Ulla Johnson, platform patent-leather loafers by Givenchy, Aby Lock small printed leather shoulder bag by Chloé, stingray sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, and CLASH DE CARTIER bracelet SM in rose gold, all by Cartier, Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold by CHANEL, gold chunky necklace by Dior, Rose Céleste necklace in 18k yellow and white gold, diamond, onyx and mother-of-pearl, and Astro Dior aquarius necklace, both by Dior Fine Jewellery.

By the way, in floriography, the language of flowers, peonies represent all the good stuff: good fortune, happy marriage, riches, honour, and compassion and surprisingly, bashfulness. Cheers to that! May we all have a little peony-wisdom in our lives this spring.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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I love being active and try to do lots of workouts at home during quarantine to stay fit. I truly miss my weekly pilates class with Karolina Schmid and cannot wait until her studio opens again. Great news for my Zurich based readers: she will be opening another studio in Höngg with PILATESwiss wall boards and classes in June.

Whatever your favorite workout might be, the right activewear makes it even more fun. Hit the gym in Versace’s Greek key-infused pieces that elevate your casual look.

My look: Zip-up tech-jersey hooded sweatshirt, logo-jacquard low-impact sports bra, and logo-jacquard technical jersey leggings, all by Versace, Portugaba tote by Christian Louboutin, Run away sneaker in blue by Louis Vuitton, Love bracelets by Cartier, Royal Oak 37mm 18-karat frosted rose gold watch by Audemars Piguet and FF-print round acetate sunglasses by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Everything around you might seem very dark at the moment … I feel you! But one thing is for sure… storms don’t last forever and everything black can be very beautiful, too!

My look: Wool and cashmere-blend cape, and embellished leather-trimmed straw fedora, both by Valentino, black dress with zipper, and Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas, both by Louis Vuitton, Cardinale stretch-suede knee boots by Dolce & Gabbana, textured-leather belt by Fendi, and hoop earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
Location: Park Hyatt Zurich
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Fashion can be unpredictable. Trends come and go. This season, I am crazy for Louis Vuitton. Their S/S 2020 ready-to-wear collection is absolutely divine and you’ll see me wearing a lot of it during the next weeks. My new hard-to-get Pochette Métis is a great daily companion, a bag I can truly recommend and my T-shirt’s nostalgic videotape print delivers the ultimate throwback detail don’t you think?!

My look: Brown leather jacket, printed T-shirt, black A-line skirt, pochette Métis, Podium ankle plateau booties, and Lucky Lady stole, all by Louis Vuitton, sunglasses by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht