Sandra‘s Closet

Today more coming up from Arles as on May 30th, 2018, Gucci showed its Cruise 2019 women’s and men’s show by Alessandro Michele also there. Revealed in an evocative setting of the ancient site of Les Alyscamps, a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the world’s most renowned Roman necropoleis, which provided a remarkable backdrop for this beautiful collection. This followed Alessandro’s previous Cruise presentations that have taken place in other culturally significant locations, including the DIA-Art Foundation in New York City, the Cloisters at Westminster Abbey in London and the Palatina Gallery in Florence’s Palazzo Pitti.

Les Alyscamps in Arles

Here are some facts about Arles which is surprisingly the largest municipality in France in terms of surface, it is located on the Mediterranean coast, in Provence, between Marseille and Montpellier. Thanks to its rich history spanning 2500 years, Arles is inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1981 for its roman monuments.

Arles

Positioned on the Rhone delta, Arles benefits from the astonishing landscape of Camargue, considered one of Europe’s most important natural areas. Arles inspired numerous artists, such as Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Fashion designers Louis Féraud and Christian Lacroix (please see this week’s post here) have arlesian origins, consequently culture and creation are economic drivers such as: the publishing house Actes Sud, the photography festival Les Rencontres d’Arles and LUMA Arles, who is currently building a cultural center with architects Frank Gehry and Annabelle Selldorf, in charge of the renovation of the old industrial buildings. For further information about Arles visit www.ville-arles.fr.

Impressions of the Gucci Cruise 2019 show

The city of Arles, also consistently involved in cultural initiatives, was happy to collaborate with a luxury brand such as Gucci. This was the first time that the ancient site of Alyscampshas hosted an event of this caliber. Indeed, one could imagine no better publicity for the city, which is enjoying a renaissance, thanks in large part to Swiss art patron Maja Hoffmann, who was also among the guests at the show along with Christian Lacroix.

Hoffmann has enlisted Canadian-born architect Frank Gehry to build a 185-foot tower that will be the center point of her Luma art foundation, opened in 2013. The sprawling site, with an estimated cost of 150 million euros, also encompasses abandoned rail yards that have been renovated and now house exhibitions. The heir of the pharmaceutical giant Roche has invested extensively in the city, renovating two local hotels, the Hôtel d’Arlatan and the Hôtel du Cloître, and also owns the Michelin-starred organic restaurant La Chassagnette in the neighboring Camargue region.

Please find below some of the best looks from Gucci’s Cruise 2019 collection, for which creative director Alessandro Michele was obviously «fascinated by the idea of death». A haunted runway with lots of cross necklaces, Victorian references, velvet capes, neon lace tights, goth accents, and prints galore. Gucci at its best!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Gucci

One month ago, I went to Siena, one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany, Italy, with a historic centre that has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The Duomo, the Siena Cathedral (photo below), is a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and definitely worth the visit. The Piazza del Campo (see photo above), the shell-shaped principal public space that is regarded as one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares, is filled with nice restaurants and bars. I loved strolling through the tiny medieval streets in my comfy flats. Sometimes, it feels great just to wear a little bit of mascara and be casual.

My look: Multi-coloured printed cotton dress and  green ‘Miss Sicily’ bag, both by Dolce & Gabbana, studded sandals by Alaïa, sunglasses by Céline, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace, both by Piaget and diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery.

Funnily enough, this look seems like being part of Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2016 collection that is inspired by the most famous landmarks of Italy. Don’t forget, the trunkshow ends today!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Sunday, I flew from Xian to Kunming (Tianjin Airlines) and from there to Lijiang (China Southern Airlines), at the foot of the Himalayas, very close to Tibet. It was a very long journey with some bizarre moments, as for example the pilot of the first plane sat next to me to eat his lunch during the flight. I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect and have been overwhelmed by the beauty of this peaceful spot.

Admist the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I restored my inner peace, regained energy by doing lots of sports, cleared my head and inspired my soul.

I strolled through the old town and explored its ethnic charm, historical milieu and architectural landscape. Regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets, Lijiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Located in Yunnan province, Lijiang is an hour’s drive from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred sanctuary which has protected the ethnic minorities and their unique cultures since ancient times. The landscape and the mountains reminded me a lot of Switzerland and Bavaria. It is also home to the longest golf course in the world (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club).

An absolute must is to see the Dongba Valley, home and livelihood of Naxi people. Traditional houses of Naxi are open to visit. A trekking route leads through the forest, with memorials for extinct species, a set of temples with huge Buddha statues, and the peace garden, filled with wind chimes. The people were extremely friendly and I enjoyed every second of being there.

I had an amazing time in Lijiang. Soon, I will be off to Guilin with Lucky Air, wish me luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht