Sandra‘s Closet

New Alaïa, new denim! I am such a huge fan of Pieter Mulier‘s first collection for Alaïa. Four years after Alaïa’s passing, the Belgian designer, who was Raf Simons right hand before, created a collection with so many amazing pieces that pay homage to Azzedine Alaïa‘s greatest hits, including body-sculpting knitwear, multi-strap corset belts, and hooded silhouettes evocative of Alaïa’s North African roots. As Pieter said, he wanted his first collection for the French house to be «a return to foundations.» I bought many pieces, among them this beautiful denim look that I photographed on the streets of Paris and that you will hopefully like as much as I do.

My look Hooded denim and stretch-knit thong bodysuit, and high-rise straight-leg jeans, both by Alaïa, Yigit silk-satin platform pumps by Amina Muaddi, Milena embellished metallic embroidered tulle and satin bra, and Milena black lace thong, both by Agent Provocateur, video tape clutch by Louis Vuitton, and cat-eye tortoiseshell-acetate sunglasses by Bottega Veneta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Created by Virgil Abloh and part of his Pre-Fall 2022 collection silhouette, this male wardrobe essential has been refreshed for Louis Vuitton. Available in two versions, the aptly-named LV Driver is the most contemporary driving moccasin yet.

Two material combinations are offered. The first model boasts Monogram grained calfskin, creating a play on contrasts between the Maison’s traditional motif and the bright colour of the sole, which matches the LV branded lace tips (white, orange, green, Ébène or Éclipse). A second design is available in suede embossed with the Monogram, in either navy blue or mocha. On the rubber sole, traditional nubs have been transformed by pads. While based on the Monogram flowers, their design was also inspired by the unique harmony found in French gardens.

As the very first driving moccasin by Virgil Abloh, the LV Driver is the perfect embodiment of Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire. On each pair, no less than one hour is required for the stitching of the vamps, done entirely by hand. The shoe’s tubular design, ultra-flexible rubber outsole and lack of insole guarantee unparalleled comfort. With a hint of Italian elegance, the LV Driver is above all the epitome of urban modern fashion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Exuding the energy of a California spring, the Spring in the City collection delivers the perfect seasonal wardrobe, from city break to coastal getaway.

Adopting a colour gradient inspired by the vibrant palette of a spring sunrise, the new pieces feature Monogram-printed silk and Damier Graphite-printed denim. The collection is ideally complemented by Monogram Flower Louisette earrings. Guided by freedom and comfort, Louis Vuitton’s emblematic designs exude a sunny California glow. Iconic pieces such as the Papillon, Petit Sac Plat and Onthego bags dazzle in the collection, updated with a glossy 3D effect. The designs are dressed in shades of warm beige, powder pink and blush, colours reminiscent of a leisurely day at the beach.

From deserts to lush gardens, t-shirts printed with palm trees contrast with the collection’s high-waisted cargo pants and safari shorts, while raffia and embossed leather are a call to sit back and unwind. Like a second skin, the ultra-lightweight gradient nylon jacket complements the collection’s beachy silhouettes and warm sandy tones.

The designs, with their delicate yet striking colours and graphic lines, herald a radiant spring. Bright, urban and sunny, the collection is an invitation to a spring escape.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Happy Easter weekend to everyone! I am wishing you a successful Easter egg hunt. I found my treasure already. This beautiful Simone Rocha egg-shaped bag is for me a true «objet d’art» – it will also look so striking standing on my coffee table when I am not using it.

My look: Double-breasted knit coat with floral pin, white blouse with long wide sleeves, A-line mini wrap skirt, suit vest with chain detail, all by Louis Vuitton, burgundy embellished wool-felt hat by Philip Treacy, acrylic and faux pearl-embellished leather tote by Simone Rocha, and burgundy mesh boots by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Unveiled in 2012, the Idylle Blossom jewellery collection celebrates the Monogram Flower, Louis Vuitton’s iconic signature since 1896.
From voluptuous and full curves to the more tapered and slender, the flowers are true embodiments of the Maison’s heritage and savoir-faire, as delicate blossoms meet brilliant stars.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this emblematic collection, both original designs and new interpretations are adorned with diamonds, yielding a contemporary yet refined elegance.
New everyday essentials join the collection, from pavé pendants, earrings, and rings to those set with diamonds. Worn together, stacked, layered or alone, the pieces can be styled to suit any mood or occasion, celebrating the beauty of the imagination. Each of the Monogram Flowers complements a shade of gold – rose, yellow or white – accentuating brilliant-cut diamonds, and rendering these creations undeniably feminine and sensual.

Stylistically, repetition and layering best highlight the collection’s designs. One or more necklaces draped from the neck enhance the skin with a dazzling radiance.

A pair of hoop earrings, adorned with Monogram Flowers, frame the face. An ear cuff worn on the left ear contrasts with multiple stud earrings worn on the right. Additionally, a reversible stud earring displays the Maison’s motifs with Louis Vuitton’s initials on one side and the Monogram Flower on the other.

Another stud earring enlivened with a white gold chain offers a contemporary yet playful look. Multiple styles hide within one design, allowing the wearer to change their look without changing jewellery. The collection’s signature piece, the Idylle Blossom ring, takes on a refined aesthetic this season. Whether layered for a striking effect or worn alone, each diamond-set motif ring shines on one or more of the fingers.

A harmonious blend of shades and shapes, the new Idylle Blossom creations invite the wearer to discover their own style, revealing the heroine within; contemporary, dazzling and free.

Worldwide launch on April 15th.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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«Coming of Age», in loving memory and honour of Virgil Abloh, is unveiled at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France. An extension of the original global «Coming of Age» exhibition, the arrival in Paris will play out over a two-week period, from 13th April, at the Frank Gehry-designed space.

In 2019, Virgil Abloh curated a group exhibition titled «Coming of Age» in Los Angeles, California. Presented in creative partnership with Little Big Man Gallery, the exhibition centred around the concept, diversities and complexities of male youth and boyhood – traversing class, race, social economics, subcultures, isolation, and camaraderie. «Coming of Age» travelled to Paris, Beijing, Milan, New York, Munich, Tokyo and Seoul, allowing students, artists, and local communities access to a DIY «copy center», to build and create their own zines with their favourite artworks from the exhibition.

A physical embodiment and homage to Virgil Abloh’s world, «Coming of Age» in Paris regroups, reimagines and expands this original exhibition and its narrative story. A tribute to a hands-on creator, the exhibition encourages activities and participation, combining physical events with digital activations. Visitors become participants, alongside artists, photographers, musicians, directors, and animators. Diverse but united, the participants serve as an illustration of Virgil Abloh’s mission and achievement to democratise the dream embodied by Louis Vuitton, rendering it a domain open to the aspirations of people from all walks of life, all ages, all genders and all races.

The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge, from 13th to 27th April 2022.

Address:
Fondation Louis Vuitton
8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi
75116 Paris

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday
12pm to 7pm

Registration for tickets: www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Hello Boston – so happy to be back in this amazing city to celebrate my «Lieblingsmensch», my daughter, who turned 20 yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny day. Here you see us strolling around the Boston Harbor area.

My look: Wool jacket with fur detail, logo-print jersey sweatshirt, logo-print fleeceback-jersey track pants, and logo-print T-shirt, all by Rodarte, Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino, Oyster Perpetual 36 with turquoise dial by Rolex, Luck Lady stola by Louis Vuitton, sunglasses by CHANEL, and medium shearling Bobby bag in grey by Dior.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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A new collection of Silver Lockit bracelets, designed by Virgil Abloh – Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Artistic Director from 2018 to 2021 – launched within the LOUIS VUITTON for UNICEF partnership.

Following his initial collaboration in 2020, Virgil Abloh reimagined a second Silver Lockit bracelet collection, continuing to support children in need through the Maison’s partnership with UNICEF. Reinterpreted once again by Virgil Abloh, this new collection for 2022 echoes his first Silver Lockit collaboration– bearing the same Virgil Abloh signatures – but with new materials and colors: chain, padlock, and Louis Vuitton charm in natural or black titanium, with neon yellow, rainbow or black cord bracelets.

Launched in February 2020, Virgil Abloh’s original take on the Silver Lockit bracelet brought a breath of fresh air to the collection. The Men’s Artistic Director added his signature bold chain, linked to a thicker cord; the silver padlock and a Louis Vuitton charm in the back, giving a final touch to the design.

Since 2016, Louis Vuitton has raised over $18 million USD for UNICEF through the sale of its Silver Lockit bracelet and pendant collections. New versions of the Silver Lockit bracelet have been launched annually to continue to support UNICEF. For every Silver Lockit by Virgil Abloh sold, $100 is donated to UNICEF.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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It’s not an April’s fool. I just got back from NYC to visit the Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva (so many incredible things to show you… if you have been following my Instastories, you know what I am talking about) and now I am packing again and will be off to Boston this weekend. I couldn’t be more excited as I am visiting my daughter for her birthday.

What to pack for Boston is always a challenge as the weather can be so unpredictable. You can have a beautiful sunny day followed by a snow storm 24 hours later. So layers are always a great way to be prepared for all possibilities. My teddy coat is one of my favorites to travel with. It is so light, yet so warm.

The photos were taken in several places, on the new pedestrian bridge that connects two ends of Northeastern university campus, on one of the most photographed streets in the city, Acorn Street, that is reminiscent of a colonial Boston, as well as in front of the famous bronze ducks located in the Public Garden.

My look: Teddy Bear Icon camel hair and silk-blend coat by Max Mara, Dioraura cashmere sweater by Dior, FF-jacquard shearling-lined ski headband by Fendi, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry, Kurt high lace-Up boot by Celine, low-cut skinny jeans by Polo Ralph Lauren, Twilly Doll «La Folle Parade» by Hermès, and Multi Pochette Accessories in monogram canvas by Louis Vuitton.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Requiring meticulous work and delicate craftsmanship, those logo necklaces and pendants enhance the neckline and show your love for the respective designer. They complete your outfit on a refined final note.

LoL, Sandra

Logo necklace with pearl by Miu Miu

Embellished-logo necklace by Lanvin

Color Signs cord and gold-tone necklace by Valentino

Typo Valentine logo necklace by Balenciaga

Triangle logo necklace by Prada

Gold-tone crystal necklace by Gucci

Logo-plaque necklace by Versace

Long logo necklace by Louis Vuitton

Logo lettering necklace by Moschino

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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