Sandra‘s Closet

Breaking news today. Pierpaolo Piccioli is parting ways with Valentino after eight ears as the Roman couture house’s sole creative director, according to a company statement which called the move a «joint decision.»

With Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2013.

Piccioli started his career at Valentino in 1999 where he oversaw accessories alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri. In 2007, the duo were handpicked by founder Valentino Garavani to lead the brand’s creative direction after his retirement. In 2016, Maria Grazia Chiuri left for Dior leaving Piccioli as the sole creative director. During his tenure, Piccioli’s haute couture collections rose to fame exuding a certain poetry, which is missing often in today’s fashion world. Outstanding proportions and bold colours were styled with a sophisticated, youthful edge, the same concept he applied to his beautiful ready-to-wear collections I have loved so much.

Beautiful memory: a handwritten note from Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

«Not all stories have a beginning or an end, some live a kind of eternal present that shines so bright that it won’t produce any shadows,» said Piccioli. «I’ve been in this company for 25 years, and for 25 years I’ve existed and I’ve lived with the people who have woven the weaves of this beautiful story.»

Spread your wings and fly like me in Valentino S/S 2020.

A new creative configuration will be announced soon, the statement said.

«I am grateful to Pierpaolo for his role as creative director and for his vision, commitment and creativity that have brought the Maison Valentino to what it stands for today,» said Valentino chief executive Jacopo Venturini.

For F/W 2022 Pierpaolo created its own color Pink PP.
For the full look, click here.

«We extend our deepest gratitude to Pierpaolo for writing an important chapter in the history of the Maison Valentino,» added Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Valentino chairman and chief executive of owner Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, which controls Valentino.

Last year, Kering acquired 30 percent of Valentino for €1.7 billion – implying a valuation worth of €5 billion – as part of a broader partnership with Mayhoola. The agreement gave Kering the option to acquire 100 percent of Valentino «no later than 2028».

Pierpaolo walking his last finale for Valentino F/W 2024 earlier in March.

In 2023, former Valentino ready-to-wear director Sabato De Sarno’s departed to lead the designs at Gucci. The fashion wheel is turning and some big names are still out there, such as Alessandro Michele and Sarah Burton. In addition Givenchy and Lanvin are all currently missing a designer and Dries van Noten also announced this week that he is stepping down from his own brand.

Piccioli presented a black on black manifesto for F/W 2024 in Paris this month – probably a sign of his departure …

Thank you, Pierpaolo, for all your magic!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Valentino
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An essential new accessory dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Dior Toujours – first unveiled at the Dior S/S 2023 ready-to-wear show – is distinguished by its elegant silhouette that is both timeless and ultra-contemporary. Conceived according to the highest standards of craftsmanship, this object of desire embodies the virtuosity of Dior’s leather ateliers.

Each step in its manufacture requires infinite meticulousness, from cutting the leather to applying the macrocannage motif. A subtle touch, an ingenious detail evoking the «CD» signature allows the shape of this model to be played with and modified as wished. A celebration of the poetry of gestures, fusing the heritage of the founding-couturier with the House’s ongoing creative passion.

It took me a season for this bag to grow on me but now I am absolutely in love. It is available in three sizes in five neutral shades, from black, powder beige, tan to stone grey and latte. A great bag that you can enjoy on many occasions.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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An invitation to venture away and to enchantment, this year’s Dioriviera summer capsule, dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, reveals a sunny wardrobe. Delicate feminine creations are dressed in shades of pink and gray, dear to the founding-couturier. Promises of an endless summer and for me great memories of my stay at W Ibiza.

My look: Dioriviera mid-length lace dress, medium Lady D-Joy bag, toile de jouy sauvage 70 square silk scarf, and J’adior Ibiza bracelets, all by Dior, logo platform sandals by Gucci, logo charm necklace by CHANEL, and Dynasty oversized geometric-frame sunglasses by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Ivet Šudová 
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Belmond unveils a partnership with Dior for a new wellness experience in the legendary gardens of Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina, in celebration of the iconic property’s 150 year anniversary. From now to October 2023, the hotel’s storied gardens will welcome two Dior treehouse treatment cabins perched in the majestic cypress trees, offering guests and visitors exclusive skincare treatments in a verdant oasis, overlooking the sea.

In Timeo’s six-acre gardens, designed by English gardener and pioneering wildlife conservationist Florence Trevelyan at the end of XIX century, many artists and writers have found meditative peace and inspiration over the last 150 years. Today Grand Hotel Timeo and Dior Spa are fostering the same spirit, inviting guests to enjoy a moment of wellbeing in the hotel’s lush enclave.

LUXURIOUS WELLNESS COCOONS AMONGST THE CYPRESS TREES
Guests are invited to climb a few steps up a wooden staircase to access two highly sophisticated treatment cabins, one double and one single, perched in the cypress trees. These vibrant green wooden treehouses are elevated with the famous Toile de Jouy curtains, in a matching shade.
The decor takes inspiration from the fragrant flora and fauna which envelopes the pop-up spa. Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior, has reimagined the iconic Dior fabric decorating the cabins in a bold leaf-green to blend seamlessly with the lush surroundings. The Dior Toile de Jouy wallpaper, the bamboo seating and the modern design lamps with brushed brass finishes, create an intimate and refined atmosphere.

Each cabin, designed by Thirtyone Design + Management, has its own individual terrace with sea views complete with a parasol in matching fabric, rattan furniture and plants, offering guests the privacy to extend this moment of well-being in absolute serenity.

ICONIC TREATMENTS TAKEN TO NEW HEIGHTS
The menu of signature face and body treatments draws on the skills and expertise of Dior skincare, created to help the skin and the senses blossom during the summer. The signature Dolce Vita Solar Glow, a one-hour face and body treatment ensures a perfectly enhanced and extended sun tan. Depending on the time of the treatment, it concludes with either a head-to-toe application of protective sun cream, lotion or oil before sun exposure, or with a soothing after-sun balm or shimmering oil, at the end of the day.

Beauty-enhancing treatments, all characterised by iconic Dior techniques that combine the best of traditional Eastern and Western methods with powerful, targeted movements, include: Dior Prestige Haute Précision, a major holistic face treatment using the Dior Prestige product line and combining the regenerative power of the Granville Rose with enveloping massage techniques to blend pleasure with visible correction of the signs of age; and Constellation, a deeply relaxing holistic body massage, for perfect harmony between body and mind.

To see the spa menu and prices, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Pierre Mouton for Parfums Christian Dior
Disclosure: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

For Resort 2022, Maria Grazia Chiuri looked for sportswear as an inspiration and introduced a special sportswear line along the Dior Vibe sneaker. For the best shopping experience, Dior has been launching a series of pop-up stores around the world, which also present the new amazing Dior and Technogym Limited Edition series of home wellness products.

Within this new project Technogym and Dior have joined forces to devise these unique pieces, some of the most iconic of the brand – Technogym MyRun connected treadmill, Technogym multifunctional workout bench and Technogym exercise ball – reinterpreted in a white version enhanced with a Dior star, the founding couturier’s lucky charm, and the name «Christian Dior», the House’s emblematic signature, highlighted by five horizontal stripes in contrasting colors. Working out has just become so much more fun and stylish, don’t you think?!

The new Dior and Technogym Limited Edition products are available in Dior pop-up stores in Shanghai, Sanya, Beijing, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, London, Beverly Hills, Soho, and Tokyo, as well as in a selection of pop-ins – in Paris, Milan, Tokyo, New York and Seoul.

Please find below more information about the Dior and Technogym Limited Edition series:

TECHNOGYM MY RUN FOR DIOR

This stylish, compact and quiet treadmill connects to your tablet and offers a wide range of on-demand running and walking workouts. By simply placing a tablet on the MYRUN console users can choose the on-demand workout by their favorite trainer.

TECHNOGYM BENCH FOR DIOR

This innovative bench offers a maximum variety of exercises options in a small space. Its innovative design includes a series of dumbbells, elastics and knuckles that allow to perform over 200 exercises thanks to an extensive library of on-demand workouts available on the Technogym App. 

TECHNOGYM BALL FOR DIOR

Designed to keep you on the move even while sitting, Technogym Ball is both a seat and a wellness tool, with a complete exercise program for flexibility, toning and balance.

Produced in Italy at the Technogym Village, these special creations reflect a mutual commitment of inspiring a lifestyle that combines physical exercise and style to motivate people living a happier and healthier life.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior/Technogym and © Sandra Bauknecht
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This winter, many fashion houses have launched their own ski collection, including Dior. An ode to escape and the magic of the mountains, the DiorAlps capsule collection designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri celebrates elegance in motion: an exclusive line with a sportswear attitude.

Combining high-tech and Parisian elegance with the Maison’s codes such as the lucky star, the Dior Oblique motif as well as the Mizza leopard print, it includes down jackets, trousers, jumpsuits and Dior Book Tote bags. These pieces are great on the slopes and ideal for après-ski wear.

The collection is available in Dior stores. In Zurich, you can find it at the Globus DiorAlps pop-up shop until January 31, 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

This season, Dior presents another episode of the lovable DIORAMOUR capsule collection. Inspired by the world of fairy tales, the DIORAMOUR capsule designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri celebrates love and the art of giving. A fashion fairytale that includes the most beautiful ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories and jewelry.

The pattern of the DIORAMOUR capsule is also featured on a new Dior Maison collection that I personally adore. Such beautiful gift ideas for a loved one or yourself.

If you happen to be in Hong Kong, you can take a closer look at the collection the Dioramour pop-up store that will run from July 17 to August 6.

Dioramour Pop-Up Store, 20 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior

The Lady D-Lite bag combines classic elegance with the modernity of the House of Dior and has immediately become one of my new season favorites. For the F/W 2020, Maria Grazia Chiuri revisits Lady Diana’s favorite bag. Textural and soft, it comes with a tone-on-tone motif in muted shades, embroidered in vibrant hues, in tie-die or in warm velvet. The result is a timeless and elegant collectible to love for years to come.

My new beloved medium Lady D-Lite bag in Lights embroidery.

It also features a «Christian Dior» signature on the front and thick pale gold-finish metal «D.I.O.R.» charms. Equipped with a wide, reversible and removable embroidered shoulder strap, the medium bag can be carried by hand, worn over the shoulder or crossbody, pairing easily with other matching Dior creations of the season.

Treat yourself to a moment of zen with this lovely little video of the making of Dior’s new «Lady D-Lite» bag, and see the level of detail and precision involved in its design and creation.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior and © Sandra Bauknecht

In 2009, Valentino caused a fashion frenzy when its creative directors at that time power duo, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, came up with what would be one of the maison’s most fortuitous accessories: the Rockstud sandals. With their dainty shape and small pyramidal studs, the shoes were immediately loved by fashionistas around the globe.

Me with some Rockstud details

Now in the creative directorship solo, Piccioli is celebrating the style’s 10th anniversary with a new program called Valentino Garavani Rockstud X. Categorized as an «open lab» the series will see Piccioli collaborate with a rotating cast of guest designers on the Rockstud. First up: the conceptual British designer Craig Green (see cover photo). Already known for his partnerships with Moncler and Adidas, this is the first time Green has reached the upper echelons of the fashion world, where arguably Valentino reigns. The Valentino x Craig Green collaboration product will be unveiled in early January 2021 while the product is set to launch in stores around late February 2021.

However, you don’t need to wait until February to get your hands on something very beautiful from Valentino. For S/S 2021, Piccioli is making the Valentino Rockstud bigger and better than ever, as the Rockstud take on gargantuan proportions, embellishing gladiator sandals and bags that will be a big hit. So-called Roman studs, Roman architecture inspired this iconic motif able to manifest the Maison’s bourgeois and punk essences.

TO SHOP THE NEW ROMAN STUDS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Here comes the coolest collaboration of this summer. Dior joins forces with Vespa to create an exclusive scooter and a range of matching accessories, celebrating the sunny spirit and art of living of the two houses that were founded in the same year, in 1946.

Out of this passionate dialogue, the Vespa 946 Christian Dior scooter comes to life, its monohull architecture and subtle graphic lines paying tribute to the heritage of the two brands. A symbol of refinement, this object of desire reflects their shared commitment to the excellence of savoir-faire and virtuoso art of detail.

A contemporary version of the iconic Vespa 946 – presented in 2012 in Milan and recognized for its elegant, streamlined curves and technological innovation – the new model was designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Creative Director of Dior women’s collections. The scooter is made in Italy, adhering to the exacting standards, commitment and precision of a couture atelier.

Echoing the design of the saddle, a top case patterned with the Dior Oblique motif – designed by Marc Bohan in 1967 – is specially designed to be fixed on the luggage rack, adding a distinctive allure. A helmet adorned with the same iconic motif rounds out the unique range.

Symbols of escape to new horizons, these limited-edition creations will launch in spring 2021 in Dior boutiques around the world and subsequently in a selection of Piaggio Group’s Motoplex stores. The accessories, including the helmet and top case, will be available exclusively in Dior boutiques.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior