Sandra‘s Closet

When the likes of Robert Pattinson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jonah Hill and Rihanna want to rock that fresh-off-the-building-site style, there’s only one traditional workwear brand they turn to – CARHARTT WIP.

CARHARTT WIP stands for Work In Progress and forms a division of the American brand Carhartt, one of the first companies to pioneer workwear in the USA. Established by Edwin Faeh in Europe in 1994, who became the exclusive distributor of Carhartt in Europe, it was over 100 years after Hamilton Carhartt had established his business in Detroit. CARHARTT WIP has been carefully adapting and modifying Carhartt’s core product characteristics for a different audience of consumers who value refined design and quality while still remaining true to Carhartt’s brand origins.

Since the beginning, CARHARTT WIP have built a strong, organic relationship with unknown, inspiring, provocative and upcoming figures in music and sport, becoming an iconic and well respected brand in underground scenes, from hip-hop to skate, from graffiti to cycling, as well as working with labels such as A.P.C., Neighborhood, Patta, Vans, Junya Watanabe and many more.

This season, the artistic, color-savvy world of MARNI meets CARHARTT WIP for the first time, offering an original wardrobe rooted in utilitarian silhouettes.
Founded also in 1994, MARNI is recognized as the most artistic, color-savvy, life embracing, off-beat brand in the luxury segment. Renowned for its subversive collections, MARNI has consistently challenged the traditional codes of fashion and the seriousness of dressing up, celebrating individuality through its distinctive approach to materials and colors, combined with a unique taste for prints and shapes.

Consisting of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories, the collection reinterprets Carhartt WIP’s signatures with a fresh gaze, lending workwear-inspired archetypes a new guise through MARNI’s unique flair for colors, prints and shapes.

MARNI x CARHARTT WIP introduces new material combinations, all-over prints and generous volumes, combining the substantiality of authentic utility wear with the light-hearted approach of MARNI. A two-tone clover print is applied to canvas Carhartt WIP archetypes such as the Active Jacket, as well as a short-sleeve work shirt, and a work pant offered in a loose silhouette. Bucket hats, chunky slip-on sneakers, and a robust canvas tote bag are also emblazoned with the same print. Meanwhile, jersey tops hybridize the shape of a tee with the iconic silhouette of a basketball tank top, and feature a bold iteration of Carhartt WIP’s «C» Logo.

MARNI + Carhartt WIP color-block shearling jacket

In addition, shearlings and soft calfskins add a tactile richness to typically rugged styles like the four-pocket Michigan Coat and Vest, while heart shaped gold-tone buttons offer an additional element of detail, referencing buttons that could be found on Carhartt products as far back as 1889. An interplay of corduroy and canvas appears on items including a car coat and overshirt, further elevated by MARNI’s signature flair for color, while pockets bear a co-branded motif that utilizes a unique single thread embroidery technique. Together, these styles deftly combine a sense of functional pragmatism with MARNI’s avant-garde codes.

The accompanying campaign stars the seminal funk artist Bootsy Collins – formerly of Parliament-Funkadelic – whose signature driving basslines helped propel the genre forward. He is joined by his wife Patti, his grandson Vincent and musician Babyxsosa in their Cincinatti home, in a series of images shot by Lengua, with styling by Haley Wollens. #funknotfight.

MARNI + Carhartt WIP floral-print cotton-canvas slip-on sneakers

MARNI and CARHARTT WIP will mark their collaboration with an in-store jam session at the Marni Montenapoleone flagship during Milan Fashion Week, kicking off Marni Jam, a multidisciplinary program that will further unfold globally.

TO SHOP MARNI x CARHARRT WIP, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni / Photographer / Videographer: Lengua – Models: Bootsy Collins, Patti, Vincent & Babyxsosa – Styling: Haley Wollens
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Last week, while visiting the Salone di Mobile in Milan as guest of Louis Vuitton, I also took the opportunity to explore the newly opened MARNI flagship store at Via Montenapoleone 26. The new boutique, coinceived as multi-disciplinary creative hub, presents an unprecedented design concept, allowing for an immersive brand experience across three levels. To mark its opening, a site-specific installation by one of Iceland’s leading contemporary artist Shoplifter was presented and clients had the chance to delve into Marni’s imaginative world through ART JAM, a series of workshops and customizations courtesy of artists Shoplifter and The Aluminum Group.

I have been a huge fan of the work of Shoplifter / Hrafnhildur Arnardóttir, who is living between New York and Reykjavik, and I was looking forward to meeting her in person. Working with both synthetic and natural hair, her sculptures, wall murals and site-specific installations explore themes of vanity, self-image, fashion, beauty and popular myth. For Shoplifter hair is the ultimate thread that grows from our body. Hair is an original, creative fiber, a way for people to distinguish themselves as individuals, and often an art form. Humor plays a large role in her life and work, sometimes subtly, but at other times taking over.

Shoplifter represented Iceland at the Venice Biennale in 2019 and her installation Chromo Sapiens opened at the Icelandic Pavilion in May 2019 in Venice, Italy. The installation later traveled to Iceland opening at the Reykjavik Art Museum in January 2020.

It was a true pleasure getting to know her during the art session at the MARNI boutique where she created a beautiful charm for me as a gift.

Below you can find many more photos of the really cool new flagship.

Phone: +39 02 76317327

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Life is bueno, life is good when you get to spend it in the Extreme Wow Suite at the W Barcelona. Featuring a Gaudí-inspired bar, foosball table and some fun relaxing areas where we took the photos, it also offers a jacuzzi on the huge terrace, and private sunbeds.
The dress is another fun rainbow colored one by Christopher John Rogers whom I presented you earlier this month (click here for the previous post).

My look: Rainbow striped long knit dress by Christopher John Rogers, coral brushed leather tote bag by Prada, Cindy sandals with fluorescent flowers and dalmatian spots by Sophia Webster, and resin bead necklace by Marni.

LoL, Sandra

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

Here is another fashion collaboration. VEJA, the sustainable sneaker brand, and MARNI, the Italian fashion house, introduce a collaboration, unveiling two new styles that are now available for pre-order. Through this collaboration, VEJA and MARNI offer an original interpretation to contemporary footwear, revisiting a slightly nostalgic design with a colorful, DIY-inspired look.

Known for its thoughtful yet playful approach, MARNI is a luxury brand recognized for its unorthodox take on fashion, and the collaboration with VEJA exemplifies the commitment of the brand to celebrate individuality through a creativity that is personal and connective at once.

VEJA’s V-10 and the newly introduced high-top V-15 welcome MARNI’s free-spirited aesthetic, expressed through a colorful scribbled motif that covers the upper shoe. At the intersection of craftsmanship and industrial work, each pair has been assembled by hand, with the right foot different from the left to further underline the sense of originality that underscores the design.

Each style comes with 2 pairs of 100% recycled polyester laces: one multi-colored and one all white. The leather is sourced in Uruguayan farms and tanned in Brazil, at a Gold-certified tannery by the Leather Working Group. VEJA’s attention to production standards is reflected through the materials – with tested and REACH-compliant leathers, reducing water waste during the tanning process.

The soles are composed of 31% Amazonian rubber, 22% rice waste, and 12% recycled rubber. Made in Brazil, the first release presents two colorways: the V-15 in Black and the V-10 in Marsala.

Now available for pre-order on VEJA-STORE.COM and MARNI.COM and from March 11th available in selected retailers across the world, as well as VEJA and MARNI flagship stores.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni / Veja
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

With the Lunar New Year falling on February 1, the year of the tiger has officially arrived. Tigers symbolize strength, power and fearlessness so as we reach the Lunar New Year, I am channeling all of the tiger energy I can get (not so hard… haha, I was born in the Year of the Tiger).

As China is still a huge market in the fashion industry, many luxury brands have hopped on the train to release their festive capsules inspired by the Year of the Tiger and to promote the holiday on their global social channels, among them blockbuster brands such as Gucci, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Below you can find the best capsules collections of 2022:

The symbol of strength and bravery takes center stage in the new BALENCIAGA Year of the Tiger series, which largely consists of pre-existing seasonal lines updated with a new tiger motif.

BOTTEGA VENETA is going big for this Chinese Lunar New Year. The house has taken over a piece of the Great Wall of China in its latest large-scale activation celebrating the annual holiday. Bottega’s signature green shade mixed with a vibrant tangerine color (a symbol of luck in Mandarin) is digitally displayed across a massive chunk of one of the seven Wonders of the World.

BURBERRY evokes the power and strength of the tiger zodiac sign in this limited-edition collection dedicated to the Lunar New Year.

This year, the DIOR tiger will bring you strength and luck as he roams around the blooming garden, illuminated by glowing lanterns. For men, Dior Men’s Artistic director Kim Jones has teamed up with American artist Kenny Scharf to celebrate the New Year of the Water Tiger.

DOLCE & GABBANA pays homage  to the Year of the Tiger with a unique collection: the iconic print  is intertwined with the tiger pattern,  revived in different colors.

ETRO launches a capsule collection starring the strong and courageous Tigress, a character from the animated cartoon film Kung Fu Panda by DreamWorks Animation. Created in collaboration with Universal Brand Development and DreamWorks Animation, the unisex fashion and accessories collection reinterprets the symbolism of the tiger in a funny and unexpected way, portraying the heroic kung fu moves of the characters Ping Xiao Po, Tigress, Shifu, Mantis, Crane and Monkey on T-shirts, sweatshirts, shirts, scarves and a selection of bags, accessories and small leather goods made with the iconic Paisley print.

FENDI celebrates the Spring Festival and the Year of the Tiger with an exclusive capsule collection that updates the brand’s signature style codes with intense colours and a daring animal print.

In celebration of the holiday, different versions of the animal define a curated selection of ready-to-wear and accessories—highlighting the multifaceted nature of the GUCCI universe. Rich with significance for the House, the animal expresses the Creative Director’s fascination with the beauty of nature. For a detailed post, click here please.

For Chinese New Year 2022, LANVIN ‘s sculptural cat designed by Armand Albert Rateau that embellishes the Pencil Cat bag disguises itself as a tiger.

LOUIS VUITTON mounts a tiger tail at the new flagship store in Chengdu. The shop features original artworks and furniture crafted by Chinese artists and designers to showcase the house’s commitment to local art and culture. Meanwhile, to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, the house presented a special art installation that features a giant, textured tiger tail at the storefront, as well as a capsule collection.

In occasion of Chinese New Year, MARNI celebrates the Year of the Tiger through a capsule collection in collaboration with Venezuelan artist Magdalena Suarez Frimkess, a long-time friend of Marni. A limited series of accessories and ready-to-wear designs, across both female and male collections, turn Suarez’s distinctive illustrations into prints, embroideries and jacquards, bringing the artist’s imaginative work into the free-spirited world of Marni.

To celebrate the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac, MIU MIU presents a collection of T-shirts printed with big cats in animation. They range in spirit from bouncy and cute to heroic, and from ubiquitous to unexpected.

Celebrating the Year of the Tiger, MOSCHINO‘s creative director Jeremy Scott has put together a special capsule collection featuring the icon of all frosted cereal flakes, Tony the Tiger. From ready-to-wear pieces such as oversized tees, hoodies and sweatshirts to bold accessories like the cereal box clutch, you’ll be the sharpest-looking tiger this CNY.

PRADA is celebrating the Lunar New Year with «Action in the Year of the Tiger», a combined campaign and project dedicated to safeguarding this legendary animal.
The Prada Group is also contributing to the conservation of endangered Amur tiger by making a donation to «Walking with Tiger and Leopard» Programme of China Green Foundation.

Tiger in Wonderland – to celebrate the Lunar New Year, FERRAGAMO has invited Chinese artists Sun Yuan and Peng Yu to create a unique print inspired by the 2022 Zodiac Tiger. I am obsessed with the bag.

In celebration of the Year of the Tiger, discover this exclusive capsule by STELLA MCCARTNEY honoring the occasion and the zodiac animal – with organic cotton pieces and cruelty-free accessories featuring prints by airbrush artist Albert Seleznyov, raising awareness for the conservation of these sacred creatures.

VALENTINO‘s first acquaintance with the tiger dates back to its Haute Couture F/W 1967 collection. In celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Italian Maison brings back the Valentino Tiger 1967 collection as a tribute to the Chinese heritage and a nod to its friendship with the country.

VERSACE beckons the Year of the Tiger with a classy capsule collection of new interpretation of the favourites of the Italian brand. A print showcasing the magnificent tiger resting within golden Baroque flourishes is introduced for the capsule, as well as a vibrant new year red colour that runs through it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Marni takes over the Sunset Beach Hotel on the sands of Shelter Island, New York, Marni-fying the hotel’s outdoor and indoor areas through Marni Marine’s playful and imaginative universe, a celebration of summer. Until Labor Day weekend, the ground floor spaces will be re-imagined through fabrics hailing from the Marni archives, giving a new and vibrant guise to the rooms, embellished with the signature colors, furnishings and design objects of Marni Markets.

Through Marni Marine, the cozy ambience of Sunset Beach Hotel blends with the eclectic and creative spirit of Marni in a place that invites guests to dream, relax and get lost in the idyll of a seaside hideaway.

A combination of warm tones and jubilant prints pervades the rooms while preserving the atmosphere of the hotel. The external façade will be underscored by a sculptural, red metal MARNI logo, finished with baby blue display elements that resemble waves – which serve as home for bags and beach hats – ridden by fishes and boats that pay homage to the sea.

The hotel’s boutique, with revamped orange and yellow walls, will host women’s and men’s ready-to-wear as well as accessories from Marni’s S/S 2021, in a space where red and white striped benches, covered with cushions and featuring maxi dots evoking stones, reverberate their playfulness through to the fitting room curtain and on a glass display case. The maxi dots will also characterize the display cases arranged along the corridor housing pieces for the Marni lifestyle. The walls will be redefined with light brown and pink tones, giving new light to the area.

Inside the game room, cozy sofas will be wrapped in a spring of floral prints juxtaposed to pink and light brown walls. Here, it will be possible to relax on hand-woven Marni chaise lounges, rocking chairs, benches and stools.

The spirit of Marni will also pervade the suite room that will be decorated with Marni Market furnishings, including bird-shaped chairs with an exclusive Marni frisky pink umbrella displayed on the terrace.

The selection of Marni Market design objects and accessories for sale and available in limited edition will also include a series of baskets, vases, magazine racks and sculptures, as well as necklaces, hats, bags – and fans conceived exclusively for the hotel.

The pop-up, envisioned in collaboration with Sunset Beach, will allow guests to immerse into the creative philosophy of Marni. In this experiential place overlooking the ocean, guests can relax and enjoy sun-kissed long days absorbed in summer dreams, getting inspired by the universe of Marni Marine.

I hope that we can travel soon again to the US. I miss it so much.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Marni

Christie’s Jewels & Handbags Online: The London Edit from 9 to 23 June will present four one-of-a-kind pieces from Marni’s SS21 Marnifesto collection, sold to benefit the Alliance of Artists Communities, an international association of artist residencies that support artists of any discipline in the development of new creative work. The selection of Marnifesto highlights will comprise of upcycled leather coats from the brand’s archives, featuring hand-painted words and drawings inspired by Marni’s community. The online auction will open on 9 June, with bidding starting from £100, and the unique pieces will be available to view at Christie’s London from 11 to 16 June.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso opened up a dialogue between the talents, photographers and creative consultants who have collaborated with the brand over the years, including Mykki Blanco, Jonah Hill, Michelle Elie, Julien d’Ys, Camilla Nickerson, Jess Maybury among others. Exploring creativity and new ways of working during lockdown, this epistolary chain served as the inspiration for the resulting Marnifesto collection, conceived as a celebration of human connections, love, freedom and self-expression.

Once back in the studio, Marni’s treasured archives served as a neutral canvas, with previous collections upcycled and transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces, hand-painted with poetry, words and motifs collected during lockdown. Spontaneous brush strokes adorn these wearable pieces of art, beauty born out of challenges and an exploration of the future while paying tribute to the past.

Rachel Koffsky, Christie’s International Senior Specialist, Handbags & Accessories: «We are delighted to partner with Marni to offer four one-of-a-kind, wearable works of art from the 2021 Spring-Summer Marnifesto Collection. Made during the pandemic, hand painted in the Marni atelier in Italy, each unique piece represents a Love Letter from Marni collaborators to Francesco Risso, the fashion community and the world at large. One year later, this collection could not be more resonant. The eclectic, hand-painted nature of the collection represents the do-it-yourself sensibility which came to the fore at the beginning of the pandemic. While some of us baked sourdough, or learned to knit, the Marni atelier used their craft to make sense of this uncertain time, and to heal the community. Reflecting this, Marni has dedicated a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Alliance of Artists Communities. At this time, we need art more than ever, and to support artists and artist communities in need.»

Part of my personal collection: Trunk hand-painted leather shoulder bag by Marni

Francesco Risso, Marni’s Creative Director: «These one-off pieces reverberate the emotions among the Marni community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and they are the result of a collective effort in a time of uncertainty and hope. We gave a new interpretation to the beautiful garments we found in our archives by hand-painting the words and drawings collected throughout the lockdown. Because these pieces transcend time and go beyond fashion, we are extremely proud to present them through Christie’s, hoping they will resonate further and ultimately enter the life of those who are willing to treasure them.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Marni
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Enter an oasis of colour and vibrancy: MARNI brings its exclusive collection of limited-edition, artisanally crafted home accessories and bags to MATCHESFASHION, and it is sure to bring joy to the everyday, inside and out.

The Italian powerhouse created eclectic roving markets to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2014, instantly making the brand more accessible, and ever since, they’ve been constantly evolving. Now, following pop-ups in Hong Kong, Venice and Tokyo, MARNI MARKET has landed in London for the first time, and this is MATCHESFASHION’s spin on it.

For spring, the MARNI MARKET products offer ideas for decorating interiors and outdoor spaces, or renewing outfits with liveliness and color. Stools—which become coffee tables—cushions, rugs, baskets, trays and bags—many of which can also be used as plant pots—bring the playful soul of MARNI to the stage through unpredictable shapes and materials. The products of the collection feature a design that differs with irony from traditional canons, igniting imagination.

MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND sees the introduction of new hand-woven BASKET BAGS, emblematic designs of the Marni Markets, together with the STRIPE BAGS. With this Marni Market, debut the WOLLY BAGS: winking at the retro-inspired lines of the CROCHET BAGS, they are entirely covered in soft wool. The Market also presents the HAMMOCK BAGS available in a wide range of colored rainbows and in a sophisticated version with floral print, as well as cotton BOAT BAGS, characterized by timeless textures and oval PVC handles.

The MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND collection also includes the BUCKET BAGS and the MOICANA BAGS, entirely made of natural fique fiber, as well as the crochet FISH BAGS inspired by old blankets, available in a sophisticated version with elongated profiles, featuring distinctive prints of the Marni archives.

The Market welcomes a series of new metal and PVC knick knack trays and cake holders, to combine with fruit baskets, vases and magazine racks, made of the same material. The new striped crochet rugs and the HAMMOCK PILLOWS join the furnishing accessories, bringing a touch of joy to moments of relax through their colors.

Each product is one-of-a-kind and is the result of a collaborative venture with Colombian artisans who have been working with Marni for many years. Through MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND, Marni renews its commitment in engaging with local communities, in the attempt to actively preserve artisanal traditions and propel them into the present. All products creatively merge Marni’s aesthetic codes with the language of local traditions, attesting to the Colombian artisans’ visionary perspective in experimenting with materials and colors inspired by the natural world.

TO SHOP MARNI MARKET GOES AROUND PRODUCTS AT MATCHESFASHION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © MARNI, 2nd Picture © MATCHESFASHION /Photo: Jermaine Francis, styling by Chris Hobbs – #MarniMarket
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Sure, your social calendar might be a little light on galas, but that doesn’t mean you cannot sport the newest accessories trend on the street. While your natural styling inclination is likely to pair these elbow-length gloves with all things formal, designers showed us that doesn’t have to be the case. Opera gloves are all the rage elevating any day outfit to another level of style.

Below you can find the most beautiful ones available at the moment. Just click on the highlighted product description to be transferred directly to the store.

LoL, Sandra

V-logo leather gloves by Valentino
V-logo leather gloves by Valentino

Velvet long gloves by Marine Serre

Crescent moon reflective gloves by Marine Serre

Elbow-length leather gloves by Marni

Long classic leather gloves by Manokhi

Contrast panel long gloves by Manohki

Engraved logo long gloves by Saint Laurent

Slip-on gloves by MM6 Maison Margiela

Mano long leather gloves by Manokhi

Long cut-out detail gloves by Manohki

Long slip-on gloves by Brunello Cucinello

Long bow gloves by Manohki

Oversized buttoned cuff detail gloves by Manohki

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, Photo of me: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

The most direct way to connect with the season’s toughest look? A heavyweight curb-link necklace. Being very reminiscent of the 80’s, it uplifts every look to new heights. Shop the most beautiful ones available in different price ranges by clicking on the highlighted product description.

LoL, Sandra

JW-charm gold-plated choker by JW Anderson
The one I am wearing in the photo above.

Trudie chain necklace by Chloé

Binari chunky chain choker by Rosantica

Crystal-embellished chain necklace by Marni

Rose gold-plated sterling-silver chain necklace by Bottega Veneta

Diamond & 18kt rose-gold curb-chain choker by Shay

Stills: Courtesy of the Brands, Photo: David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!