Sandra‘s Closet

Fashion is a game. Presented during Louis Vuitton’s Cruise 2021 Collection by Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière, Game On sees creative freedom playing with canvas and lines mingling between the Monogram flowers and four suits of a card deck. French actor and Louis Vuitton ambassador Léa Seydoux embodies this new collection and jumps into a fantasy illusion where clubs bloom, spades pierce, diamonds sparkle, and the almighty heart reigns. Through a transversal collection, Game On plays its ace on the House’s most iconic pieces including leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories.

Game On Canvas sees the Monogram reinterpreted on a black or white background with contrasting colours of bright blue and poppy red – a tiny heart replaces the House’s signature blossom. Here, the Petite Malle and Vanity PM in black and white make for an eye-catching statement. The geometric Square bag in white leather with a golden chain ups the ante.

The Dauphine, Speedy, Neverfull, and Keepall in Game On Monogram are adorned with enlarged suits of cards, giant hearts and blossoms in vivid red, blue, pink and purple, paired with golden hardware. A pair of Archlight trainers in white with leather trimmings sport a bright red heart, perfect to pair with the Paname bags duo. The queen of hearts, the Monogram Heart bag, stands true to its name as the first ever heart shaped bag. Raising the stakes, Capucines BB in white Taurillon leather and the Twist in white Epi leather complete this game of illusion.

My three favorites: Dauphine, Speedy and the Archlight trainers.

A royal flush, the collection expresses a particular art of living that keeps the trunk-making heritage alive. It’s the symbolism of a deck of cards, the traveller’s loyal companion, endless entertainment that cultivates togetherness. Game On is a lighthearted adventure in which all of the House’s spheres of expertise play a role, driven by passionate craftsmanship, their winning hand.

Already available in selected Louis Vuitton stores worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton reveals its F/W 2020 campaign directed and photographed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s Collections and I am loving the pieces.
Representing total creative investment in a very personal collection, the campaign expresses contemporary freedom and the pure pleasure of clothing that is open to all manner of audacity.

To photograph this campaign, Nicolas Ghesquière invited Louis Vuitton’s friends and family to his photography studio, a creative laboratory on the Quai Voltaire in Paris: among them were close friends whose personality inspires him, kindred spirits, and favourite faces. Celebrity friends, beloved models, astonishing artists and athletes include Léa Seydoux, Marina Foïs, Noémie Merlant, Akon Changkou, Stacy Martin, Dina Asher-Smith, Lous and the Yakuza and Sora Choi. In all, 20 personalities he wished to represent in their essence. The same holds true of the House’s iconic bags that accompany this stylistic exercise — the Capucines, the Twist, the Pont 9 and the Dauphine.

With the same candor, Nicolas Ghesquière incorporates the new line «SINCE 1854.»
A precious jacquard inscribed with a fundamental date, 1854, sprinkled among Monogram flowers in a nod to the year the House was created. Already iconic, this Monogram distills the Louis Vuitton spirit on timeless pieces such as the Dauphine, the Neverfull and the Petit Noé. The signature «SINCE 1854» also figures on a wardrobe of essentials and accessories.

Says Nicolas Ghesquière of the campaign, «I thought it would be interesting to extend my work to photography, to follow through to the end of the creative process and give the collection its final punctuation. In this portrait gallery, everyone is there for my own personal reasons, and I liked discovering new connections with people I knew already. I also wanted to bring unity to different aspects of the House, a circular vision of what happens here. To give a timeless aspect to creations that are very anchored in the season. For me, moving into photography came from a desire to reflect the feeling we share when we’re working on a collection.»

The campaign will be unveiled in September 2020 publications worldwide.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

I am so proud to share with you today’s news which I have exclusively for Switzerland. Meet your new must-have: the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag, Louis Vuitton’s latest embodiment of effortless Parisian chic and a new symbol of its ongoing commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. Perfect for both everyday and special occasions, this new design takes its name from Paris’ Pont Neuf, the oldest and most celebrated bridge that sits opposite Louis Vuitton’s headquarters in Paris. It also marks the first release of the House’s new LV Pont 9 leather line.

The bag’s refined, rounded design is brought to life in smooth, lightly padded calfskin and finishes with the exclusive Louis Vuitton Circle, a 1930s archive logo reinterpreted by Nicolas Ghesquière, the House’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, and used on both the bag’s flap – as a closure – and strap. The interior, in sleek and colourful leather, features a smart design with two compartments and two practical pockets. A careful attention to detail is revealed in both the bag’s gusseted construction that adds both structure and extra space, in addition to subtle «hidden« features such as the novel Monogram flower-inspired magnetic closure.

The LV Pont 9 bag is available in a diverse range of striking colours. Alongside the understated and elegant Noir and delicate Crème is a palette of more vibrant tones: deep sunset-like Summer Gold; feminine and vibrant Rose Dahlia; and soft and dreamy Bleu Orage.
Contemporary, yet instantly classic, and superbly crafted, the LV Pont 9 shoulder bag is an enchanting addition to Louis Vuitton’s 150-year tradition of innovative leather goods.

The LV Pont 9 shoulder bag launches today in Louis Vuitton stores around the world in Black, Crème and Summer Gold. And on June 26th in Blue and Pink.
Price: CHF 3’400.-

Below you will find some photos about the amazing craftsmanship that goes into each of these beautiful LV Pont 9 bags. A new classic just born.

The new must-have bag has been spotted at many celebrities around the world.
I will pick up mine today… which colour do you think I got?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht

The «Rain» capsule collection of rubber shoes is futuristic, dynamic and playful. It presents a new take on iconic styles by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, and embraces femininity in movement, with a multi-faceted selection.

My favorite: Rubber Silhouette ankle boots in pink

Playing around with the elements and seasons, roaming landscapes without letting go of your natural attitude, your ‘joie de vivre’, your femininity: that’s the movement driven by this new shoe capsule known as «Rain», that Louis Vuitton will launch mid-January.

Rubber LV Archlight sneaker

Waterproof, 100% rubber, and designed as its name suggests – for walking in the rain – it takes inspiration from iconic styles developed by Nicolas Ghesquière: the Silhouette ankle boot (and its signature flower heel that echoes the shape of the Monogram flower), the LV Archlight, a hybrid and modern sneaker with an oversized sole, and finally the Rhapsody ankle boot inspired by the world of bikers with its harness and horseshoe buckle at the ankle.

Rubber Rhapsody ankle boots 

As though «dipped in paint», each style is crafted down to the smallest detail in waterproof rubber, with a matte or varnished finish and is awash with colour. This fashionable, contemporary and dynamic collection, both casual and elegant, is always a perfect fit for the shifting, multi-faceted expressions of femininity.

LoL, Sandra

© Photographer : Andrew Wowles

In September, I introduced you to the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and League of Legends, most-played PC game in the world (for the previous post, click here please). Now the french Maison is launching a capsule collection in partnership with Riot Games.

Designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections, this unprecedented capsule features unique and original references true to the universes of League of Legends and Ghesquière’s personal inspirations. This collection follows the special Prestige skins he previously created for Qiyana (already revealed) and for Senna (to be revealed in January 2020).

The collection showcases a unique Monogram Louis Vuitton x League of Legends canvas, revisited across some of the House’s iconic and New Classics bags including the Neverfull, the Speedy or the Boite Chapeau Souple and a Bumbag among other styles.

The Collection also features a new Louis Vuitton signature inspired by emblematic League of Legends character Qiyana’s ring blade, as first discovered on her Prestige Louis Vuitton skin.

This transversal capsule collection is completed by ready-to-wear composed of technical materials like scuba jersey, accessories, as well as iconic Louis Vuitton shoe styles such as the famous Louis Vuitton Archlight sneakers, the Star trail boots and the most recent Beaubourg platform derby shoes.

The Louis Vuitton x League of Legends capsule collection will be available for pre-orders on Louisvuitton.com on a selection of e-commerce platforms worldwide from today, December 9th 2019.

So much going on at Vuitton, but loving it all…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Even though I might seem stupid for some of you, I must confess that I had no idea what League of Legends is when I received the press release from Louis Vuitton. Therefore let me give you a quick introduction: It is an online multiplayer game and global phenomenon, that since its launch in 2009 has grown to become the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver in the explosive growth of esports.

Every year, Riot Games, the U.S.-based esports organization behind League of Legends, organizes the League of Legends World Championship for the planet’s best players and teams, which this year begins on October 2nd in Berlin for play-ins and group stages, continues in Madrid starting October 26th for the quarterfinals and semi-finals, and culminates with the final in Paris on November 10th.

For the event, Louis Vuitton is creating, in collaboration with Riot, an unprecedented, one-of-a-kind Trophy Travel Case to hold the Summoner’s Cup, the trophy awarded to the world champions and considered the most prestigious prize in esports. The winner also gets millions in cash.
The bespoke trunk, the first of its kind for an esports championship, will feature both some traditional Louis Vuitton savoir-faire along with cutting-edge, high-tech elements inspired by the League of Legends universe.

Louis Vuitton and Riot Games will also soon announce unique champion skins and a capsule collection designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s collections, along with other League of Legend digital assets.

Personally speaking, I find it impressive that the famed fashion house will design League-themed items for both in the game and in the real world. Fashion is becoming more tightly connected to gaming and e-sports. Who would have ever imagined this?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Vuitton

Here is the glorious family of bags and luggage, the House’s fascinating icons that carry the whole Louis Vuitton saga with them. They proudly sport the Monogram, the renowned trunk-maker’s seal, a canvas created by Georges Vuitton in 1896 in homage to his father, the founder.

Nicolas Ghesquière has brought it to life in a thousand different ways, taken it to the limit, and crafted it in all the colours of the rainbow! «It’s the House icon to be treated with the utmost respect,» he explains. «It has real graphic purity. And I like giving it other personalities, which renew its desirability.» With Nicolas Ghesquière, it has been switched around for the Monogram Reverse and given oversized expression with the Monogram Giant. Always driven by a love of beauty, it is passed down from generation to generation.

The Monogram Speedy Bandoulière
Created in 1930, the iconic Speedy today features a shoulder strap for even greater freedom of movement around town and wherever you go.

The Monogram Giant Boîte Chapeau Souple
The perfect little city bag with a charming style, reminiscent of elegant and grand travels around the globe.

The Monogram and Monogram Reverse Dauphine Bumbag
A charming version of the Dauphine allowing for freedom of movement.

The Monogram and Monogram Reverse Dauphine
A marvel straight from the seventies, an impeccable House creation that is more up-to-date than ever, playing on all the Monogram’s variations.

The Monogram NéoNoé
A great House classic, initially created in 1932 to hold champagne bottles. Indelibly linked to the pleasures of a gentle stroll and adding a little sparkle to life.

The Monogram Petite Malle
Inspired by photographer Albert Kahn’s trunk, it is already a House icon. The Petite Malle is a timeless classic, now and always.

The Monogram Giant Onthego Tote Bag
The best friend of women who want to keep everything close at hand. It draws admiring glances with the brand new Monogram Giant design.

LoL, Sandra

© Photographer: Craig McDean
Fashion: Marie-Amélie Sauvé

«It started with our love for animals, it’s where Nicolas and I really connect beyond fashion.» – Grace Coddington

At LOUIS VUITTON’s Cruise 2019 catwalk show amidst the Mirós and Giacomettis of Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s Fondation Maeght, Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of women’s collections, presented a too-die-for collaboration with Vogue contributing editor Grace Coddington.

Nicolas Ghesquière and Grace Coddington in a silk pyjama set from the collaboration at the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2019 show last May. 

The line sees the famous redhead putting her spin on the brand’s iconic monogram pattern, embellishing it with illustrations of her two cats, Pumpkin and Blanket. Moreover her designer friend’s dog Léon finishes off the animalistic collection that also includes patent leather bags in the cartoony shapes. I love every single piece!

The full range of items, including handbags, leather goods, and ready-to-wear, will arrive in Louis Vuitton stores in October.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, via Martien Mulder for WSJ. Magazine

LOUIS VUITTON CATWALK – The Complete Fashion Collections is the first comprehensive overview of Louis Vuitton’s collections, from their debut in 1998 to today, presented through original runway images.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2003 – Marc Jacobs (Bags in collaboration with Takashi Murakami)

Founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton launched its first fashion collection in 1998. Unprecedented global fame ensued, as did pioneering high-profile collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Stephen Sprouse. Louis Vuitton Catwalk records the hugely influential collections designed by artistic directors Marc Jacobs (1998–2013) and Nicolas Ghesquière, who helms the House today. Every ready-to-wear collection is represented from the arrival of Ghesquière onwards.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 – Marc Jacobs

Louis Vuitton Catwalk is completed with an introduction by Jo Ellison and designer profiles and collection texts by Louise Rytter.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2013 – Marc Jacobs

With over 1,350 images, this treasure trove of inspiration will be the musthave reference for all fashion professionals and Louis Vuitton fans.

Launch in store, worldwide, in July 2018.

LoL, Sandra

Louis Vuitton Resort 2017 in Rio de Janeiro – Nicolas Ghesquière

Louis Vuitton Resort 2018 in Japan – Nicolas Ghesquière

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The ugly sneaker trend is everywhere right now, and available at all price points. And now it looks like it’s even more trending as one of the world’s most influential fashion designers, Nicolas Ghesquière, put a ton of futuristic runners on his S/S 2018 runway for Louis Vuitton. Consider the so-called LV Archlight Sneakers one of high-fashion’s biggest style musts this season.

I love this model: LV Archlight Sneakers

V.N.R. Sneaker – available in four colours

For men, this month, the V.N.R. (Vuitton New Runner), a full knit sneaker, is launching in four new colour ways, combining classic, elegant design and the House’s signatures with ultimate technical innovation.

V.N.R. Sneaker in blue

Twelve months of meticulous research and development have led to a shoe that is light and flexible. In total, each pair of shoes requires three hours to be assembled with keen attention to detail. Now in stores.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton