Sandra‘s Closet

For all who couldn’t get their hands on the Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 by Virgil Abloh sneakers, here might be another option from the French Maison: the new version of its iconic LV trainer that pushes the concept of sustainability even further, with its utterly graphic silhouette made of 90% recycled and bio-sourced materials. Available in three colour variations, the LV Trainer is adorned with the Maison’s signature Sustainable Development logo.

A newcomer to the Louis Vuitton collection and the embodiment of the Maison’s innovative spirit, this unprecedented model created by Virgil Abloh marks a new chapter in eco-design. Manufactured in the Louis Vuitton workshop in Fiesso d’Artico, Italy, using a highly complex process, the sneakers blend eco-design with fine craftsmanship, in accordance with the codes of circular creativity.

A true icon in the sportswear world, the LV Trainer is now breaking new records, without ever compromising Louis Vuitton’s standards for creativity and quality. The sole, a key component in terms of weight and comfort, is composed of an unparalleled 94% recycled polyurethane, with unchanged efficiency in terms of bounce, cushion and foot support – most notably thanks to the use of recycled cotton inner pads, and an insole made out of fully recycled polyurethane. As for the upper, it blends recycled polyester with a corn-based plastic material. The laces, made from used plastic, cross over the tongue, which is also recycled polyester, whereas the eyelets contain 91% regenerated polyurethane.

Available in sizes 4 to 15.5 (which means it is also available for women), this LV Trainer boasts the logo designed by Virgil Abloh. A visual example of Louis Vuitton’s upcycling philosophy, it has since become the symbol of the Maison’s commitment to sustainable development. The logo will be released in white with green accents from August, and then in red and black versions this September. The logo also features on the inside of the box, which is made out of entirely recycled and recyclable cardboard and which, thanks to an ingenious handle, turns into a bag – a strategy saving as much as 70% in materials to ensure the lowest environmental impact in terms of transportation and storage. Going even further, Louis Vuitton made the choice to use plant-based inks and to leave the inside of this unprecedented packaging in its original kraft.

Finally, a felt shoe bag in Tencel™ – renewable fibres from sustainably managed forests – acts as a layer of sustainable protection for the LV Trainer.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) programme. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

Shopping with a good conscience!

LoL, Sandra

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

There is so much hype about the release of the Louis Vuitton and Nike «Air Force 1» designed by Virgil Abloh. Now, finally in June 2022, 9 editions of the sneaker – first presented as part of the S/S 2022 Men’s Collection – will be launched globally through an inclusive digital activation, with members of the Maison’s community offered early access to order the shoes.

Until May 31, 2022, the 47 editions of the «Air Force 1» imagined by Virgil Abloh were exhibited to the public in the showcase Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh in New York City. This event coincided with a number of corresponding art installations around the city. Manufactured in the Maison’s Manufacture in Fiesso d’Artico, Venice, Italy, each design fuses the sneaker’s original codes with the Maison’s finest leather, materials and insignia of Louis Vuitton, and the distinctive visual grammar of Virgil Abloh.

Celebrating its 40th year, the classic Nike «Air Force 1» was designed in 1982 and is one of the most successful shoes ever created. A cultural symbol in its own right, Virgil Abloh viewed the sneaker as an objet d’art emblematic of self-generated cultural provenance. The 47 expressions of the Nike «Air Force 1»  were created for a Louis Vuitton collection rooted in the Amen Break, a little-known drum break of a B-side created by the funk-soul group The Winstons in 1969, which would be sampled and go on to underpin the hip-hop and jungle genres, and splinter into thousands of the pop tracks most familiar to us today.

In June 2021, Virgil Abloh explained his approach: «The Air Force 1 is a sample like the Amen Break. A t-shirt is an ‘Amen Break’, a suit is an ‘Amen Break’. We’re all iterating on the same ideas. But, in my canon, the Air Force 1 puts the edge on the blade. This object happened way before me, but to get to a context where it’s adjacent to the t-shirt and the suit, its logic has been forty years in the making,» he said.

In February 2022, 200 pairs of the sneaker designs were sold at auction, to benefit The Virgil Abloh™ «Post-Modern» Scholarship Fund.

The 9 editions selected for Louis Vuitton in-store release cover mid-tops (EUR 2,500) and low-tops (EUR 2,000), and will be made available in Nike sizes ranging from 3.5 to 18. The launch includes the classic all-white sneaker embossed with the Louis Vuitton Monogram, and a riff on the same design in black suede. Two-tone editions in white with either green, red or blue detailing nod at the rainbow motif key to the work of Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton. Likewise, a metallic gold sneaker pays homage to the designer’s debut collection for the Maison, while patchworked multi-colour renditions celebrate his distinct graphic language.

Finally, a Damier edition is adorned with a «Louis Vuitton» graffiti motif created by the artist Ghusto Leone. The full launch includes:

• White mid-top in Monogram embossed plain calf leather.
• White low-top in Monogram embossed plain calf leather.
• Black low-top in Monogram embossed calf suede.
• White and Gym Green low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather.
• White and Comet Red low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather
• White and Team Royal Blue low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather
• Gold low-top in Monogram embossed metallic canvas.
• Silver and multi-colour patchwork low-top in Monogram embossed calf suede and monogram embossed metallic canvas.
• Sail and Multicolor mid-top in Damier leather with an Azur graffiti print (available in sizes 5-18)

As a way of building bridges between countries and cultures, the late Virgil Abloh merged the worlds of high fashion and streetwear. The Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh can be seen as another unifying motif. Hard to get your hands on, but absolutely worth it! It is a piece of fashion history. I attached for you the making of the sneakers. So interesting to experience the craftsmanship going into the shoes.

LoL, Sandra

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

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

«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

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

Virgil Abloh, the acclaimed artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection and founder and CEO of Off-White, the label he founded in 2012, died of cancer on Sunday, according to a post from his verified Instagram account. He was only 41.

«We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues,» the post read. «For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.»

A trained architect, Abloh, who also worked in Chicago street fashion, entered the world of international fashion with an internship at Fendi in 2009, alongside American rapper Kanye West. The two then began an artistic collaboration that would launch Abloh’s career into founding Off-White. The first African-American to be artistic director at a French luxury fashion house, Abloh was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. Abloh’s design aesthetic which bridged streetwear and luxury clothing was described as transformative by the The New York Times. According to The Wall Street Journal, he reached a level of global fame unusual for a designer.

His death has shocked the world of fashion and many industry leaders pay tribute to the late designer who leaves a big impact on the way we dress behind.

Rest in Peace, Virgil Abloh!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Instagram / Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton launches a capsule collection of nine belts in the select colours of nine global cities.

This season Virgil Abloh reinvents the LV Pyramide belt first seen on the F/W 2021 runway. The belt with its bevel-edged buckle returns in a capsule collection of nine exclusive versions, spotlighting nine cities that hold a special place in the heart of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Artistic Director.

Featuring Monogram canvas on one face and soft calfskin on the other, the belt still displays the iconic LV buckle. Virgil Abloh put it through a special treatment recalling his urban inspirations and influences drawn from crushing cars. The metal has been artfully eroded to reveal a new colour pairing that coordinates with the leather of the belt. Each is crafted by the deft hands of Louis Vuitton artisans, making every item unique.

The new design is available in nine colourways, each associated with one world city – green and purple for Bangkok, red and black for Hong Kong, yellow and blue for London, and pink and blue for Paris. The city name is displayed in a popping colour combination of its own on each face of the belt, both the Monogram canvas and the leather side. All belts are reversible, so you can mix it up depending on your mood or your outfit, and each can be found exclusively in a limited edition at the flagship store of its namesake city, starting November 25th, 2021.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

The Met Gala is typically held on the first Monday in May, but this year, the event was postponed due to COVID-19 and falls right in the middle of fashion month. As Iris Apfel once said: «When we were small children, we all played dress-up and everybody had a good time, so why stop?». This is how Met Gala is for me, a huge party for everyone who loves to dress up and has never stop to indulge in fashion.

Ensemble, Christopher John Rogers (American, born 1993), F/W 2020; Courtesy Christopher John Rogers. Photo: HAPPYMONDAY / Courtesy of the Costume Institute

Also referred to as «fashion’s biggest night out,» the Met Gala is a fundraising benefit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the Costume Institute will host its first two-part exhibition, on the theme of American fashion, during 2021 and 2022. Part one, «In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,» will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18, 2021, and will remain on display when «In America: An Anthology of Fashion,» opens on May 5, 2022 in the period rooms of the American Wing. Both shows will run through September 5, 2022.

Below, you will find my personal selection of outfits, that I loved or didn’t like and hope you will enjoy it.

LoL, Sandra

Fashion that makes us dream – my favorite look of the gala: Iman in Harris Reed

Cracking the codes: Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga

Rihanna in Balenciaga Couture and Maria Tash jewelry and A$AP Rocky in ERL

Wild West: Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren

Fitting the American theme of the upcoming exhibitions perfectly: Helen Lasichanh and Pharrell Williams in CHANEL

Sporting the American flag: Debbie Harry in and with Zac Posen

Trio infernal with an American «Statue of Liberty» touch: Sienna Miller in Gucci, Hamish Bowles in Thom Browne, and Emily Blunt in Miu Miu

Feathers were also a trending theme: Serena Williams in Gucci

One of my favorites last night: Zoë Kravitz in Saint Laurent

And another one of my favorite looks: Kendall Jenner in Givenchy

Julia Garner in Stella McCartney

Hailee Steinfeld in Iris Van Herpen

Donatella Versace in Versace

Whoopi Goldberg, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Carey Mulligan in Valentino

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello in Michael Kors Collection

Literally eye-catching: Hunter Schafer in Prada

Gigi Hadid in Prada

A great look, but somehow not for her: Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung and Jimmy Choo shoes

Beautiful: Emily Ratajkowski in Vera Wang

Mmh… definitely not my favorite look: Vera Wang in Vera Wang

Playing dress-up: Erykah Badu in Thom Browne

Making a statement: Cara Delevingne in Christian Dior

Flowers were a huge theme: Lili Reinhart in Christian Siriano

LOVE: Irina Shayk in Moschino

YouTuber Nikkie Tutorials (Nikkie de Jager), who came out as transgender last year, paid homage to activist and drag queen Marsha P. Johnson with this «pay it no mind» sash.

Anna Wintour wore a floral Oscar de la Renta gown.

Stunning in Oscar de la Renta: Karlie Kloss and designer Wes Gordon

Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta. Her bombshell gown symbolizes her activism for animal rights. According to The New York Times, she agreed to work with Oscar de la Renta on the condition that the designers would no longer use fur in their pieces.

Dan Levy in Loewe

Designer Virgil Abloh in Off-White

And here comes the golden king in his amazing outfit that revealed different layers: Lil Nas X in Versace

Photos: via Vogue.com

Unveiled during Louis Vuitton’s F/W 2021 show by Men’s Artistic Director, Virgil Abloh, the Felt Line, features three iconic leather good pieces and reflect the Maison’s ground-breaking approach to circular creativity. Designed using several eco-responsible materials: organic cotton and recycled wool-based jacquard, 100% recycled polyester derived from existing stocks, as well as recycled plastic for the chains.

A Keepall, a Keepall XS and a Soft Trunk — a design created by Virgil Abloh since his very first fashion show for Louis Vuitton; these three staple pieces from the menswear collection showcase Louis Vuitton’s commitment to circular creativity. Moving blankets — functional, protective and on-the-go — were Virgil Abloh’s inspiration for this new adventure, perfectly in line with the sustainability dedication he has shown since joining Louis Vuitton in 2018. A real creative challenge, this holistic approach is embodied in the creation and use of sustainable and responsible materials used for each product in the Felt Line collection.

An innovative textile — the main material of the pieces — was designed using 43% certified organic cotton, the highest standard, and 20% recycled wool. The unpredictable result of this jacquard underscores the uniqueness of each leather good, on which the Monogram pattern appears and disappears thanks to a lurex thread tufting. The global process emerges in every detail of these three light and practical models, as well as in a form of stylistic adaptation. The lining comes from the House’s existing stocks of 100% recycled polyester, which have been upcycled, thus maximising the use of existing materials and limiting production. The chains and corners were produced using 70% recycled plastic with a multi-colour effect reflecting the jacquard’s chromatic aspects. For the straps and handles, an LWG (Leather Working group)-certified leather was selected, the most exacting environmental label for tanning.

Meeting all the quality and durability criteria cherished by Louis Vuitton, the three models of the Felt Line, as well as one piece of ready-to-wear, a long coat, express the choice of a responsible and sustainable sophistication. By celebrating beauty and creativity in everyday life, which is the central theme of the F/W 2021 fashion show, the Felt Line demonstrates the vivacity of Louis Vuitton’s expertise and ingenuity to provide the best response to its clients’ needs as well as the challenges of the contemporary world. All products feature the signature initially conceived by Virgil Abloh, placed on a leather patch from existing stocks. This emblem is the symbol of Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development policy, as by 2025, 100% of its products will be created through eco-conception.

«Our committed journey» is Louis Vuitton’s sustainable development plan, in line with the LIFE360 (LVMH Initiatives For the Environment) plan. Through six lines of action, it aims to preserve natural resources (sustainable supply of materials, contribution to climate protection, circular approach of creativity) and to have a positive impact on society (diversity and inclusion, commitment to local communities, development of know-how).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

First presented during Virgil Abloh’s debut S/S 2019 show for Louis Vuitton, this season the LV TRAINER inspires new style variations in keeping with its exacting standards: each pair requires at least seven hours of manufacturing.

Drawing inspiration from vintage basketball sneakers, held dear by Virgil Abloh, and set on a technical rubber sole injected with gel and encrusted with contrasting Monogram flowers, this new version will add a lively touch to all the memories summer 2021 has in store for you. The House’s identity stands out once again with the LV signature on the tongue and side and the #54 signature on the back, recalling 1854, the year Louis Vuitton was founded.

As always, the Monogram pattern is in the spotlight, whether reinvented on denim or embossed on grained calfskin, nubuck or smooth leather. But with its blend of materials and patterns, each LV Trainer boasts its own identity in a rainbow of vivid hues, symbolising all the colours of a summer under the sun of optimism, from dawn to sunset.

Burgundy lit up by sunny orange, blue enhanced with black accents, green contrasted with yellow details… The colours are galvanised on a grained and smooth leather design. The collection also showcases the essential white leather sneaker, adorned with the hand-written Louis Vuitton signature, and the denim canvas one, this time beige-tinted, alongside a reflective silver leather model.

This season, three versions in suede leather and denim take on neon pink and yellow shades, echoing the ready-to-wear line. One of them is entirely covered with pink rhinestones, to attract light and style at every step. While the white leather sneaker is bound to last, each colour and style variation will be subject to a limited drop launch.

Lastly, a pair of sandals, available in identical neon shades, adds the finishing touch to the collection. Fitted with the same sole as the sneaker, it is light and supple, the perfect variation of a model designed to be worn at any time of the day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton