Fashion should be fun and Jeremy Scott‘s humorous take for his first Moschino collection is proof for it. Fresh off the F/W 2014 runway, the designer is playing with McDonald’s color palette and spices it up with the iconic Chanel quilting seam. His post-modern pop fashion statement brings the Italian brand back to the fashion crowd’s wish list.

My look: Intarsia wool and cashmere-blend sweater, French Fries iPhone 5 cover and quilted shoulder bag, all by Moschino, cut-out ankle boots by Balenciaga, black skater skirt by Saint Laurent, earrings by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Since it was first created in 1958, Louis Vuitton’s iconic LOCKIT has appeared in different guises, but surely none more desirable than its latest incarnation as a timelessly elegant day bag in supple Veau Cachemire leather.

Taking from the original design its distinctive curved top and emblematic LV padlock on the side, the LOCKIT also borrows elements from contemporary bags, in particular its slender handles and graphic central V, discreetly highlighted with filettos and contrast edges. Soft, supple and surprisingly lightweight, the LOCKIT is made to be carried comfortably in the hand, on the elbow or from the shoulder (thanks to a removable, adjustable strap).

In chic Black or bright Framboise, deep purple Quetsche, soft beige Galet or delicate Magnolia, the new LOCKIT is a bag to treasure, for now and forever.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

FOULARDS D’ARTISTES III NEW CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS FOR S/S 2014

This summer, Louis Vuitton continues its world tour of the vibrant street art scene by inviting three new artists from three different continents to collaborate on its collections of textile. The artists of this third season are André Saraiva, famed for his jaunty ‘Mr. A’ character who inhabits the walls of Paris, American Kenny Scharf, and INTI from Chile.

ANDRÉ SARAIVA
For André Saraiva, his studio drop cloth was the inspiration for the background of his interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s Monogram shawl. Once he had translated his paint spatters to the luxurious silk and wool wrap, it became a natural habitat for ‘Mr. A’, the artist’s signature blue figure with asymmetrical eyes.

KENNY SCHARF
Californian Kenny Scharf, a remarkable figure in the worlds of painting, sculpture and performance, describes himself as a pop-surrealist artist whose guiding principle is to reach out beyond the elitist boundaries of fine art and to connect to popular culture. He has covered Louis Vuitton’s giant silk crepe square with a colorful collage of astronomic motifs and symbols of pop culture on a blurred psychedelic background.

INTI
True to his name, derived from the Inca sun god, INTI is inspired by ancestral Andean culture, which he transcribes in brightly colored, monumental works. He revisits the giant square with a sun motif referencing the image of ‘Wiracocha’, god of TIWANAKU culture, one of the most important Inca deities. Infused with warm shades of gold and orange, the design is bordered in red with a pattern of ancient symbols surrounding the Louis Vuitton signature.

Alongside these artistic collaborations, Louis Vuitton introduces further new designs for S/S 2014.

Two are variations on the iconic leopard print created for Louis Vuitton by the artist Stephen Sprouse: the Leopard Spray giant silk crepe square combines leopard spots with a spray-paint motif in vibrant fuchsia or pimento,…

… while the Leopard Pop stole, available in coral or pimento, presents a delicate arty gradation of shades.

The Monogram Rayures shawl juxtaposes faded denim-style stripes with lines of brighter coral or pimento,…

… while the Papillon silk square is woven with a subtle tone-on-tone Monogram pattern. Its generous size and array of colors, including beige, black, fuchsia, orange and violet, make it a stylish and versatile choice all year round.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The emblematic trunk continues its journey through the Louis Vuitton universe.
From the initial reality of a tangible utilitarian object, in another dimension a collection of modern, feminine watches and jewelry pieces, the new EMPRISE line will surely be loved by women around the globe.

The structural elements of the famous travel luggage are transported into the world of High Jewelry. Powerfully structured shapes, the choice of stones, some in vibrant colors have one thing in common: an infinitely Parisian attitude.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton © Charles Helleu

Here is your ultimate S/S 2014 runway trend guide. This season, there is fashion for every personality. It’s about tribal details, the power of pleats and the beauty of flowers, whether they’re luxurious embroideries or bold statement prints. Take cues from your favorite gallery and wear something artful. Don’t forget to add something shiny and to work on your waistline to sport the new must-have cropped tops. Sportswear has made its way into our daily wardrobe and bermudas should be worn layered with a skirt or dress.

I hope that this little summary will inspire you to look for the right new season pieces that will instantly update a look. Enjoy your new task!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2014 TREND 1: TRIBAL
Akris –  Givenchy – Donna Karan

S/S 2014 TREND 2: WEARABLE ART
Prada –  Chanel – Céline

S/S 2014 TREND 3: BERMUDAS
Chloé –  Alexander McQueen – DKNY

S/S 2014 TREND 4: CROPPED TOPS
Balenciaga –  Louis Vuitton – Salvatore Ferragamo

S/S 2014 TREND 5: SPORTSWEAR
DKNY –  Gucci – Marc by Marc Jacobs

S/S 2014 TREND 6: LACE
Valentino –  Stella McCartney – Nina Ricci

S/S 2014 TREND 7: SHIMMER & SHINE
Lanvin –  Versace – Etro

S/S 2014 TREND 8: PLEATS PLEASE
Dries Van Noten –  Proenza Schouler – Victoria Beckham

S/S 2014 TREND 9: PASTEL
Miu Miu –  Burberry Prorsum – Christian Dior

S/S 2014 TREND 10: SUMMER BLACK
Bottega Veneta –  Saint Laurent – Dolce & Gabbana

S/S 2014 TREND 11: FLOWER POWER
Giambattista Valli –  Mary Katrantzou – Christopher Kane

S/S 2014 TREND 12: BOLD NIGHT
Emilio Pucci –  Alberta Ferretti – Ralph Lauren Collection

Photos: Via style.com

Marc Jacobs dedicated his final collection for Louis Vuitton to the women who inspire him. In the same spirit, the S/S 2014 advertising campaign is devoted to a series of portraits of the designer’s muses.

Catherine Deneuve, Sofia Coppola, Gisele Bündchen, Fan Bingbing, Caroline de Maigret and Edie Campbell, the model hand-picked by Marc Jacobs to open his final runway show, are photographed by Steven Meisel.

The simple studio backdrop and restrained color palette turn the spotlight on the personality of each, as well as on the season’s variations on the iconic Noé bag – embroidered with feathers, crystals, alligator or Sprouse sequins, in supple calfskin, or in Monogram canvas trimmed with black leather.

Just as Marc Jacobs’ valedictory show was intended as a celebration, so this, his final campaign for Louis Vuitton, offers a vibrant homage to women and to enduring style.

On the S/S 2014 runway, a single bag appeared in a myriad different guises, the NN14 – the season’s statement update of the iconic Noé bag, famously designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1932 in response to a request from a champagne producer for an elegant way of carrying five bottles of fizz.

The limited-edition NN14 was created through what Marc Jacobs described as a “cleaning” of the original design – smaller, more streamlined, but still recognizable as a “bucket” for champagne. In addition to Les Extraordinaires, the extremely rare and precious editions whose extravagant embellishments – feathers, crystals, sequins, studs, alligator appliqués – testify to Louis Vuitton’s exceptional savoir-faire, several simpler versions of the NN14 bag will set the tone of the next season.

All share the NN14’s distinctive details: a hand-pleated leather tassel closure, a Louis Vuitton-embossed leather handle, and the emblematic LV padlock and key bell. Inside the bag, a matching removable zippered pocket is perfect for stowing valuables.

The NN14 in Monogram Idole combines canvas with calfskin trim in black, dark red or deep blue. The bag comes in two sizes: small for elbow and hand carry (also available in classic Monogram canvas with natural cowhide trim), and large, which can additionally be worn on the shoulder.

This bag will surely fly of the shelves… question is which one is your favorite?! I am crazy for this embellished one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound… how sweet the sweater. I love this bright blue piece from the special collaboration, PRINCESS GRACE, MORE THAN AN IMAGE, between Pringle of Scotland and Central Saint Martins. It is so perfect in combination with my new bag.

My look: Black double-breasted wool coat with gold bars by Givenchy, Grace sweater by Pringle of Scotland, stretch-leather leggings by Gucci, bleached denim scarf by Louis Vuitton, floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana, Choupette wool hat by Karl Lagerfeld, fringed boots by Isabel Marant for H&M, Falda bag with grey calf hair by Rodtnes and ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally it is official: Nicolas Ghesquière has found a new home. It has been already 12 months that he left the house of Balenciaga after 15 years. Today LOUIS VUITTON has named him Artistic Director. The 42-year-old designer is replacing Marc Jacobs.

In early October, I had felt it already in my bones when I posted that Ghesquière will eventually take over (click here for the previous post), even though LOUIS VUITTON denied all rumors.

I am wishing Nicolas all the best and I am curious to see his first collection (F/W 2014) in March next year.

LoL, Sandra

Marking their 15th year, Louis Vuitton unveils a new look for its City Guides, now covering 15 of the world’s most exciting cities. New cities, new features, new format —the Louis Vuitton City Guides get 
a complete make-over, emerging entirely refreshed and revitalized.

Since 1998, Louis Vuitton has been sharing its insatiable urban wanderlust through its City Guides. Eagerly awaited every year 
and heralded even by the world’s most sophisticated travelers, 
they truly capture the heart and spirit of each city explored, offering a hand-picked selection of exceptional places, delivered with flair and conviction.
A great Christmas gift for a beloved friend.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Today was a big day! The last day of Paris Fashion Week started with the Louis Vuitton S/S 2014 show. Rumors had been out quite a long time about Marc Jacobs leaving the French brand after 16 years, but the minute I arrived at the venue, I knew, it was true. It felt like a journey through time. From the governess girls at the entrance to the station clock, the carrousel, the elevators and the escalators, the fountain, last season’s hotel corridors, every little detail was reminiscent of something amazing Marc had created for a Louis Vuitton show.

In the press kit on my seat, Marc Jacobs wrote something so beautiful that I truly would like to invite you to read it:

“This collection is dedicated to the women who inspire me and to the showgirl in every one of them, Emmanuelle Alt, Jane Birkin, Betty Catroux, Carlyne Cerf De Dudzeele, Coco Chanel, Cher, Grace Coddington, Sofia Coppola, Victoire de Castellane, Catherine Deneuve, Claude Lalanne, Julie de Libran, Lady Gaga, Judy Garland, Katie Grand, Juliette Gréco, Françoise Hardy, Zizi Jeanmarie, Rei Kawakubo, Madonna, Liza Minnelli, Kate Moss, Louise Nevelson, Edith Piaf, Miuccia Prada, Lee Radziwill, Millicent Rogers, Sonia Rykiel, Carla Sozzani, Elsa Schiaparelli, Barbra Streisand, Diana Vreeland, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Wintour.

Whether extrovert or esoteric, they are figures that keep visual language vital. Their style, imagination, creativity, talent, vision and voice have changed our landscape.”

He continued: “When I look around Paris, it isn’t the depth of the city that takes my breath away. It’s the decoration and the applied ornamentation that dazzles. It is not about thinking, it is about feeling. There may be no deeper sensation than this when it hits. While designing this collection the same instinct gathered momentum. I take pleasure from things for exactly what they are, revealing in the pure adornment of beauty for beauty’s sake. Connecting with something on a superficial level is as honest as connecting with it on an intellectual level.

TO THE SHOWGIRL IN ALL OF US.“

Speaking of which, many of the forty-one extremely dark looks resembled showgirl clothes, all exquisitely embellished with jet beads, crystals, and glossy feathers. Each and every one of the models wore an amazing headpiece of ostrich plumes designed by Stephen Jones for the show. The first look was pretty evocative, nothing but a G-string and the Stephen Sprouse-designed LV logo showing all over the model’s body, along with handcuffs and chains.

The biker jackets and denim pants were amazing, something you are dying to have in your closet. I love the collection and Marc’s creativity, it might not be commercial, but it is definitely for the showgirl in us!

Never forget, it was Jacobs who brought Louis Vuitton’s foray into prêt-à-porter to a huge success, and whatever the behind-the-scenes speculations of the past few months, he appears to be leaving on good terms. I was backstage and started crying like everybody else after all those heartfelt hugs.

Marc said that he wants to focus on his own Marc Jacobs brand. And I think, the announcement will be coming out soon that Nicolas Ghesquière will replace him at Louis Vuitton. So watch out!

LoL, Sandra

Marc’s last finale…

… and heartbreaking moments backstage.

Having fun behind the scenes: Sofia Coppola and Dakota Fanning

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht