LOUIS VUITTON‘S CITY GUIDES COLLECTION IS EXPANDING WITH 4 NEW CITIES TO DISCOVER AND THE LAUNCH OF A MOBILE APP

Since 1998, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its unique take on the world through its City Guides, offering a careful selection of addresses chosen with originality and just a touch of bias. November 2015 sees four completely new cities added to the collection: Bangkok, Chicago, Prague and Rome. Fully updated, the Paris volume is packed with new addresses, as are London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Beijing, Saö Paulo, Sydney, Tokyo and Venice.

This year, for the first time, a mobile App will be available (as of November 2015) to complement the collection of City Guides. Easy to use, in one click you’ll be as well- informed as any local! Special guest contributors, secret addresses, city walks, cultural events: it’s the full City Guide perspective. Fluent, intuitive… Your route to the best possible travel experience.

25 cities available for iPhone and iPad, selected contents free to download, €9.99 (US$9.99) per city from the App Store.

Great news: the Paris City Guide will be downloadable for free on the App Store from November 5th until December 31st, 2015.

A NEW ACCESSORY FOR THE ELEGANT TRAVELLER

To complement the new Louis Vuitton City Guide App, the French Maison has produced a small leather case with the Monogram pattern, designed to protect your iPad and iPhone.
Available for “iPhone 6” and “iPhone 6 Plus“, the new cases come in four extra colors inspired by the city collection: blue for Paris, yellow for Rome, red for Beijing and pink for Tokyo.
An essential fashion accessory, not only elegant but also the perfect way to personalize your iPhone when you are travelling.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton Malletier

«Volez! Voguez! Voyagez!» literally translates as «Fly! Sail! Travel!». Those three words written across a vintage Louis Vuitton advertisement poster summarize the spirit of the brand and are the title of an upcoming exhibition that will take place at the Grand Palais from 4th December 2015 till 21st February 2016.

Curated by Olivier Saillard, this exhibition retraces Louis Vuitton’s great journey from 1854 till today, through depictions of the Maison’s founding members and those who create the Louis Vuitton of tomorrow.

Monsieur Louis Vuitton

The Grand Palais was constructed in 1900 during one of the most spectacular Universal Exhibitions in Paris which welcomed 48 milllion visitors. At this turning point of the century, George Vuitton was in charge of organizing the entire section dedicated to “Travel & Leather goods“.

The Louis Vuitton booth, surprisingly in the shape of a merry-go-round, presented the Maison’s most innovative luggage and elegant bags and was the center of attention.

“Louis Vuitton has always been at the avant-garde of creation. More than a century after,
if Louis Vuitton remains at the helm of fashion, it’s because we continously inspire ourselves from
the past while anticipating trends of our times. For this exhibition, Olivier Saillard has immersed
himself in the archives of our Maison to decode its secrets. He delivers a fresh vision of our past, present and future“, says Michael Burke, CEO of Louis Vuitton.

The thematic journey conceived and designed by Robert Carsen navigates through 9 chapters, opening with the absolute symbol of Louis Vuitton: an antique malle. An innately modern design, it foresaw what were to become the Maison’s emblematic codes and epitomised Louis Vuitton’s audacious spirit. The exhibition presents objects and documents from Louis Vuitton’s Patrimony
as well as a selection of pieces lent by Palais Galliera, Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.
A section dedicated to Craftsmanship closes the exhibition.

SUMMARY OF THE 9 SECTIONS OF THE EXHIBITION

I. THE TRUNK OF 1906, an innovative design
II. WOOD, a gateway to freedom.
The roots of the Louis Vuitton house
III. THE CLASSIC TRUNKS, a catalogue
of refined canvases, shapes and locks

IV. THE INVENTION OF TRAVEL:
– The rise of yachts, a taste for cruises.
The inauguration of the Steamer bag
– The motor cars, speed at one’s fingertips
– The train, outbound travel

V. THE ABSENT HOUR,
fine writing in line with Louis Vuitton

Artist Cindy Sherman with the colorful trunk embellished with hotel labels she designed for Louis Vuitton.

VI. THE PORTAIN TRUNK,
a conversation with art
VII. ECCENTRIC/CURIOUS TRUNKS.
Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s antique personal collection

VIII. FASHION AND BEAUTY
– Beauty essentials, fine fragrances,
delicate jewellery boxes
– Celebrity luggage. Superstar trunks
– Elegant dandies, the men of today.
Examples of masculine luggage
– Fashion and design, a mirrored present day
IX. THE MUSIC ROOM.
Special orders, dreams are made of these

EXHIBITION DETAILS

GRAND PALAIS 4th December 2015 till 21st February 2016
Salon d’Honneur, Entrée Square Jean Perrin, Champs-Elysées, Avenue du Général Eisenhower,
Paris 8th
Monday, Thursday and Sunday, from 10am – 8pm
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, from 10am – 10pm
Closed on Tuesdays except during school holidays
Free admission
AUDIO GUIDE
A mobile phone application allows visitors to enrich their tour.

As a big fan of the House of Louis Vuitton, I am truly looking forward to this exhibition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Archives Louis Vuitton Malletier

In the beginning of July, rumor had it that Kering, the parent company of BALENCIAGA, will not confirm Alexander Wang’s position as the House’s Creative Director. The designer took over the Balenciaga design department in December 2012 to replace Nicolas Ghesquière that had been hired by Louis Vuitton. Today, it has become official. Alexander Wang will step down after less than three years in the role.

The reason for the split can just be guessed, as it might be hard to grow two labels, Balenciaga and Wang’s successful namesake New York based brand at the same time. It is said that the S/S 2016 collection which will be presented this October during Paris Fashion Week will already be Wang’s last one for Balenciaga.

Rumor has it that Kering is looking for a lesser known designer to replace Wang, having seen the success of Alessandro Michele at Gucci.

TO SHOP BALENCIAGA (see products above), PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht, Stills: Courtesy of Balenciaga

The new Louis Vuitton sunglasses for S/S 2015 are true must-haves, versatile and modern with interesting details. No other than Juergen Teller was recruited to shoot the selection that you can enjoy below. Which one is your favorite? I know, it is hard to decide…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Juergen Teller for Louis Vuitton

While filming for Spotlight in Cannes, I wore this new outfit by Louis Vuitton. Since Nicolas Ghesquière took the helm at the French Maison, there have been some amazing new looks and accessories. I fell in love with those sticker-print pieces, inspired by adhesive labels on vintage Vuitton luggage, the minute I spotted them on the runway.

My look: Sticker-print top, matching skirt, silk bandeau scarf and Petite Malle Monogram bag, all by Louis Vuitton, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, diamond ring and bracelet, both by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Fashion lovers around the globe were drooling over the house’s new It-bag, the Petite Malle, a playful miniature take on the classic Vuitton trunk. How cute is it that the bag matches the print on my tee?!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Last week started off terribly. My mail system and my iPhone both broke at the same time. Great news for an editor-in-chief and a blogger, especially when it happens while travelling and you cannot access anything or do something about it. So I thought “whatever” and tried to make the best out of it… time to sport the sequined gun bag!

My look: Denim vest and sequined gun shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, lace and gingham sweater dress by Carven, Monogram scarf by Louis Vuitton, suede and ostrich thigh boots by Emilio Pucci, Limelight Gala watch by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

If you don’t know the “Louis Vuitton Travel Book” collection illustrated by artists from all around the world yet, be sure to check it out. It’s such a great way to keep your favorite travel moments and they make also a great gift. This May, Louis Vuitton adds the Arctic and Edinburgh to its destinations.

Two very surprising titles, somewhere between the travel journal and the sketch book, it’s now the turn of Floc’h, the most bristish of French illustrators, to capture Edinburgh with his famous style called ligne claire.

While the Irish artist Blaise Drummond recounts his discovery of the Arctic through his own vision of beauty.

Exhibitions of original drawings and book signings in Paris and in Europe will celebrate the launch of these two publications.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Don’t we all love to play around with fashion jewelry? This summer, it’s a tough job to choose which pieces you will be getting: from Chanel’s slogan bracelets and Valentino’s ring stack; to Fendi’s feather watch and Saint Laurent’s dainty hearts, they are all just fabulous. Enjoy my edit of the new must-have jewelry pieces of which some are already available in stores. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly.

The heart charm by Saint Laurent

Make love no war – the dainty necklace makes its comeback! Saint Laurent is one of the hottest tickets of the season – and so is this jewelry must!

The dreamcatcher necklace by Etro

A ’70s inspiration with folky fabrics blend with talisman jewelry, something fashionistas around the globe will want this summer.

The choker necklace by Balmain

It’s not the first time, Balmain has sent chokers down the runway, but this summer they are extremely outstanding, playing with email, transparency and architectural lines.
Pre-order the enameled choker by Balmain here.

Layered gold chains by Moschino

Cheesy and tacky, the Moschino girl pays tribute to the plastic superstar Barbie, and Jeremy Scott vamps us up with a multitude of gold chains.
Pre-order some statement gold chains by Moschino here.

Multiple earrings by Dior

Back to the ’80s when multiple earrings were all the rage! Dior combines long hair tucked back behind the ears with many  piercings – a look that is to become cult again.

Disc hoop earrings by Louis Vuitton

Inspired by the flair of the ’70s, Camille Miceli created retro hoop disc earrings for the French Maison that will complement the hippie luxe trend perfectly.

The safety-pin earrings by Giorgio Armani

Giorgio Armani celebrates the luxurious punk and sends stylized safety-pin pendants down the runway along with his iconic silk ensembles.

The cross earrings by Dolce & Gabbana

The designer duo took advantage of summer’s inherent punk rock potential and brought the cross earring to La Dolce Vita.
Shop Dolce & Gabbana’s cross earrings here.

Slogan bangles by Chanel

Inspired by Chanel’s finale fashion manifestation, the must-have bangles in silver and vibrant colored leather  come with some  demo slogans such as “Make Fashion Not War” and “Ladies First“.

Wide lacquer cuff in black by Céline

How fabulous are tanned arms accented with a glossy black PVC cuff – something that you will definitely wear a lot next season.

The horsebit bracelet by Gucci

A true classic and a great investment, the golden age of the Seventies was brought back by Gucci with the iconic horse bit bracelet.
You can shop the beautiful horse bit bracelet by Gucci here.

Multiple rings by Valentino

Mix and match this season, Valentino offers the right selection to get really creative.

Stacked cuffs at Lanvin

With 125 years design history to draw on, Alber Elbaz plays with the amount of cuffs you will wear. The more the merrier – that is his style motto for S/S 2015.

Statement piercings by Rodarte

Seeking inspiration from the punk-era, the Mulleavy sisters created a row of faux piercings along each brow for an eye-catching effect.

The feather watch by Fendi

Fendi watches have been on my watch list since some time and this delicate feather version is just breathtaking.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com and Courtesy of the Brands

Classic woolens have had a runway makeover. Silhouettes in XL sizes; long cardigans paired with even chunkier scarves; and as a surprise mixed with a chiffon skirt. Sound toasty? Yes, it will be. But it’s also an ultra-stylish approach to layering up this season.

My look: High-low intarsia cardigan, matching wool-blend scarf and silk-chiffon and satin mini skirt, all by Prabal Gurung, white cady top and patent-leather ankle rain boots, both by Miu Miu, hat by Louis Vuitton and small ‘Ricky’ tote in nude pink by Ralph Lauren.
On my lips: Carmine Rouge clean true red (matte) by Prabal Gurung x MAC.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

As always, I would like to keep you ahead of the game and put together the most important S/S 2015 runway trends! Scroll through my forecast to see what will stay and which styles will be on everyone’s shopping list next season.

S/S 2015 TREND 1
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER
Tom Ford – Saint Laurent – Louis Vuitton

Sequins and metallics are here to stay and will surely make you feel sexy under the disco ball next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 2
PRIMA BALLERINA
Valentino – Giorgio Armani – Vionnet

Soft and pastel, the long tutu tulle skirts and dresses seen gracing the runways were inspired by ballerinas. A must for your next red carpet moment.

S/S 2015 TREND 3
LUXURIOUS HIPPY 
Chloé – Emilio Pucci – Etro

70s inspired looks seemed like a common theme throughout the fashion weeks. Long, light and flowing dresses or lace materials are the way to work the luxury bohemian trend. My favorite!

S/S 2015 TREND 4
JUMPSUITS 
Christian Dior – Céline – Sonia Rykiel

Fashion-forward utilitarian looks, the jumpsuit might not be the most comfortable piece of clothing but next summer definitely the the most up-to-date one.

S/S 2015 TREND 6
KIMONO GIRLS 
Gucci – Marni – Alexander McQueen

Ethnical prints and long silhouettes tied at the waist, the kimono was a huge source of inspiration for a number of fashion houses this season.

S/S 2015 TREND 7
KHAKI – THE HUE TO STAY 
Chanel – Marc Jacobs – Ralph Lauren

Call it haute safari gear for the wilds of the shopping streets. Khaki has become a fashion classic and is here to stay. It is up to you if you opt for for a safari-style or military-inspired look.

S/S 2015 TREND 8
DENIM – HEAD TO TOE 
Prada – Burberry Prorsum – Fendi

It is all about denim head to toe. Next season the beloved fabric is reinvented in in all sorts of blues and with eye-catching stitchings.

S/S 2015 TREND 9
POP ART
Peter Pilotto – Balmain – Junya Watanabe

Some of the world’s leading pop-artists, such as Roy Lichtenstein, Mondrian and Sonia Delaunay were the force behind a lot of collections. Circle motifs, bright colors and bold, intersecting stripes gave the runway an energetic vibe.

S/S 2015 TREND 10
POLKA DOTS
Marc by Marc Jacobs – Moschino – Dolce & Gabbana

A simple and extremely joyful print, the polka dot, hasn’t lost its impact over the last seasons.

S/S 2015 TREND 11
ANDROGYNOUS & ASYMMETRIC TAILORING
Anthony Vaccarello – Jean Paul Gaultier – Maison Martin Margiela

Conquering the male wardrobe, the designers used the codes of masculine suits, but added a touch of sexy. The trend reveals itself in the asymmetric cuts which are a must next summer.

S/S 2015 TREND 12
PATCHWORK BABYDOLLS
Rodarte – Stella McCartney – Mary Katrantzou

The babydoll makes its comeback in an array of fabrics and lace patterns. Patchwork is the key to success!

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK MESH
Balenciaga – Akris – Proenza Schouler

Worn all-over or a as a single piece, mesh is next summer’s answer to sportswear. The sheer fabric works day and night and has been spotted all over the catwalks.

S/S 2015 TREND 13
BLACK AND WHITE
Narciso Rodriguez – Givenchy – Thakoon

Black and white – the probably most classic color combination. This season, designers set about experimenting with the codes of femininity through black and white suits and used this ultra-refined palette for maximum optical effects.

S/S 2015 TREND 14
MIX AND MATCH
Giambattista Valli – Fausto Puglisi – Prabal Gurung

Conceptual and experimental, the next season silhouettes take center stage with pieces in an array of different colors and all sorts of materials. The probably most modern trend of all.

S/S 2015 TREND 15
HEMLINES
Matthew Williamson – Versus Versace – Elie Saab

Business in the front, party in the back, the new hemlines play with length.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Style.com