Gucci Presents Its Next Cruise Show in London

GUCCI TO PRESENT ITS NEXT CRUISE COLLECTION IN LONDON NEXT MAY
London, where everything started. The House will showcase its Cruise 2025 collection, designed by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno, in London, on May 13. The choice of location pays tribute to Gucci’s profound connection to the British capital, intrinsically linked to the brand’s heritage, and offers new opportunities to delve into the integral role the city has played in shaping the brand’s narrative throughout its storied history as a world-renowned symbol of Italian craft, visionary creativity, and innovative design.

Gucci Creative Director Sabato De Sarno

GUCCI AND LONDON
The story of Gucci began in London in 1897 when a young Guccio Gucci took a job as a luggage porter and liftboy at the city’s exclusive The Savoy hotel. Carrying guests’ luggage through its famous revolving entrance doors and operating the lift up to the rooms and suites, the teenage Guccio encountered up close the tastes and lifestyle of the international elite, absorbing – as if by creative osmosis – new ideas, broader horizons, and more worldly cultural concerns. Inspired by these experiences, and with a new-found aspiration to make his name synonymous with the art of luggage making, Guccio returned to Florence and in 1921 founded his eponymous leather-goods house, followed by the first Gucci store on the city’s Via della Vigna Nuova.

LoL, Sandra

Rodolfo and Guccio Gucci in front of their Florence store in the late 1940s.

Photos: © Gucci
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Party Time at Lío London

This weekend I flew to London for my dear friend Lisa Tchenguiz’s birthday party that took place at the new jewel in London’s nightlife crown, Lío London. Being known for its Ibiza glamour, Lío is a global phenomenon that delivers high octane cabaret for the 21st Century.

With the lovely birthday girl Lisa Tchenguiz

The fully immersive experience combines a Mediterranean inspired menu with extraordinary acts and world class performers from dance, theatre, erotica, and acrobatics to create the pinnacle of theatrical dining.

Last year, Lío London opened its doors as the first permanent site in the capital for the Pacha Group. I can only recommend a visit as it is a spectacular, sassy and sexy modern show restaurant that brings pulsating performances to experience while you taste some delicious dishes. The food offering is an exquisite journey through Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Attila Kalanyosformer Executive Chef of Kensington Palace.

You enter the fantastic location on an original 1924 double-sided staircases. Mirrored ceilings, a moveable DJ booth, next to the restaurant section add to the ambiance of the room. After dinner on Fridays and Saturdays the main room transforms into a club for diners to continue the party hosted by big name DJs, London favourites and Lío owned nights.

Lisa’s birthday party had it all, stunning performances, yummy food, an excellent crowd of friends and some great music. Thank you for having me! London times are always good times.

Lío London, 3-4 Coventry St, London W1D 6BL
@liolondonofficial #loveliolondon
Phone number: +44 203 535 0000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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My Look: XXL

Theatrical and striking, Louis Vuitton’s XXL zippers put a fun twist on contemporary pieces. I wore this ensemble for tea time at Claridge’s Hotel in London where the Christmas tree was the perfect backdrop for this outfit.

My look: XXL Zip leather insert coat, XXL Zip tight fitting dress, and Petite Malle H27 bag, all by Louis Vuittonstudded Tan-Go platform pumps by Valentino,  gold-tone, enamel and faux pearl clip earrings, both by Saint Laurent, button-embellished metallic jacquard-knit cardigan by Balmain, and pearl necklace by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023

My apartment in London is just across from one of my favorite hotels in the city, the Claridge’s Hotel. Each year, the hotel collaborates with a fashion house to decorate their Christmas Tree. This year’s installation by Louis Vuitton brings together two illustrious names who have long celebrated the Art of Travel, and crossed paths throughout their respective histories after both being founded in 1854.

This magnificent sculptural creation is immersed within two large open, emblematic wardrobe trunks towering on top of each other at the height of 5.2 metres. Each signature trunk is adorned with Claridge’s travel stickers of yesteryear and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag.

Exuding a festive charm, the tree is composed of 15 vertically placed chrome trunks of varying heights that tower to create the silhouette of a traditional Christmas tree. Scattered atop the silver trunks and amidst the snowy landscape of the tree are 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots, all found within the hotel’s distinguished black and white marbled lobby.

The hotel’s Louis Vuitton trunk envelopes the magical Claridge’s Christmas Tree, just as the Maison’s iconic Malle Vestiaire or «Wardrobe Trunk», a hard-sided case created in 1875, was dedicated to transporting one’s most personal and precious effects.

«What an honour it is to welcome such a legendary house as Louis Vuitton to design our Claridge’s Christmas Tree this year. Christmas is the most magical time of year for us here at the hotel and we look forward to welcoming guests and seeing visitors immerse themselves in Louis Vuitton’s world.» – Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson

With my Louis Vuitton outfit, I couldn’t have blended in better … all details coming up shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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The Red Night at The Connaught

Last week, I was invited by Christian Louboutin to a Red Night at The Connaught in London Mayfair. The evening started with drinks at the brand’s flagship store on Mount Street. As my plane was delayed, I missed that part and went straight to the party that was filled with many treats and a special tarot session.

Among fashion designers, Christian Louboutin stands out as one of the most influential, thanks to his ability to transform extraordinary shoes into true icons, all thanks to his distinctive signature: the red sole.

The dress code said a touch of red and for me that not only included the soles of my shoes but also a little touch of red on my jacket. The red sole of Louboutin shoes has become a symbol of luxury, style, and status, representing a fashion statement that doesn’t go unnoticed.

With beautiful Anna Lange, Christian Louboutin Store Manager Mount Street, at the event.

My gorgeous bag from the Flamencaba collection.

Spoilt to the fullest with this beautiful red quilt.

This holiday season, Christian Louboutin has a huge range of fantastic footwear, must-have accessories, and stocking fillers. I attached you some of my favorites available now below.

TO SHOP CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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My Look: Life Is Too Short To Wait

Life is too short to wait … I decided not waste time on unimportant matters or unworthy emotions. Life is also too short to wait for a special event to wear a fabulous outfit. During my month here in London – I am having such a good time in this vibrant city – I love to dress up and go out.  This has become one of my favorite looks.

My look: Lace turtleneck bodysuit, matching lace leggings, croc-effect vinyl mini skirt, and laser-cut leather corset belt, all by Alaïa, Cherry leather platform ankle boots by Saint Laurent, and black satin pochette (Métiers d’Art 2023 Collection Paris – Dakar) by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @georgiashane
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Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2022

Named «The Diamond», Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2022 is designed by long-time friend of the hotel, Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo, and realised by set designer Simon Costin.

This magnificent sculptural creation is crafted from reflective mirrors and accented with light which pulses and undulates. The diamond has long been a special icon in the world of Jimmy Choo with Sandra often dreaming of what it would be like to step inside one – therefore the tree is created for guests to actually enter and stand inside to take in a magical and shining, diamond-refracted space. The tree is finished with a giant, glittering bow topper – a nod to one of the key design themes of the brand’s winter collection.

«Claridge’s is a London icon. The perfect blend of glamour and decadence – great things happen at Claridge’s. There’s a magic energy as you enter the doors that’s contagious, from the warmth of the staff to the discreet buzz of guests in the lobby. And at night the hotel invites you to party. Claridge’s is a London jewel, it’s multifaceted, like the diamond that inspired our tree, like Jimmy Choo.» – Sandra Choi

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Claridge’s ©/ Darren-Gerrish
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Prêt-à-Portea: The Couture Cakewalk

Arriving perfectly dressed for the new season, the S/S 2022 Prêt-à-Portea collection at The Berkeley London showcases couture cakes inspired by designers from Lanvin to Gucci. A contemporary twist on afternoon tea, this playful and stylish edit is set to become another favourite for sweet-toothed fashionistas.

This season’s collection opens with Oscar de la Renta – a striking orange gown crafted with apricot bavarois, salted Manuka honey and apricot ganache, topped with a meringue frill. A hero handbag from Michael Kors – whose bags were seen filled with flowers on the catwalk – has been created as a Victoria sponge with fresh strawberry jam, wrapped in an Opalys chocolate cylinder with flowers intricately piped with lime butter cream.

Gucci’s pink silk tuxedo has been reimagined in bourbon vanilla mousse and Emmanuel sponge, layered with peach compote and glazed with shimmering pink icing. This is finished with a thin chocolate jacket and bow tie. Meanwhile, Lanvin’s towering floral platform heels will stomp down the cakewalk made from chocolate biscuit, painstakingly piped with royal icing.

Schiaparelli’s couture golden mini dress combines caramel sponge, dark Valrhona chocolate and hazelnut praline, all topped with a shimmering, chocolate oversized collar. Richard Quinn’s buttercup yellow gown is immortalised in ice cream – chocolate wafer cones are filled with fresh fruit compote and pineapple and star anise sorbet, topped with bright yellow chocolate waves.

Finally, the Prêt-à-Portea pastry team have created a showstopper of a cake – designed to share – paying homage to Saint Laurent’s floral jumpsuit. An oversized red rose made of lychee mousse with fresh raspberry is set on a glossy white coconut cake, and finished with a green chocolate leaf.

As always, the tea also includes elegant canapés and sandwiches, with a selection of loose-leaf teas from the extensive collection.
Afternoon Tea is served Monday – Sunday: 1pm – 5.30pm.

Cannot wait to be back in London!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Berkeley and Courtesy of the Brands
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My Look: All Good Baby

Welcome to EL&N London’s most Instagrammable hot spot. Everything here is irresistibly chic, pink perfection with flower walls, pink interiors and alternative lattes taking social media by storm.

EL&N stands for Eat, Live and Nourish. I came across this place by coincidence when I was looking for a location to shoot. I couldn’t have worn a better outfit fitting the interior, don’t you think?
I went for a Turkish Delight Hot Chocolate, a rose flavored white hot chocolate covered with whipped cream, served with two Turkish delights, that was very yummy.

My look: Concert checked recycled woven blazericon, matching Concert cropped checked recycled woven flared pantsicon, Concert jacquard-knit merino wool, cotton and cashmere-blend tankicon, Concert striped silk-twill shirt, allicon by Zimmermann, Hippipump crystal appliqué suede ballet flats by Christian Louboutinicon, My LV chain pilot sunglasses by Louis Vuitton, and flap bag with top handle in iridescent grained calfskin and gradient lacquered metal, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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My Look: Singin’ in the Rain

Great memories from London where I spent the last November weekend. After that I had to be in quarantine, as the travel restrictions had changed over night, which was an unpleasant ending of a great time.

Despite the rain, I truly enjoyed being back in London. I absolutely love the energy and the buzz of the city. Wearing one of my favorite winter looks, I had a real Mary Poppins moment when the wind wanted to take my umbrella. I shot the first time with Sinbad Phgura which was a real pleasure. He captures real life moments like a fashion story. See for yourself… I hope you like the photos as much as I do.

My look: Velvet puffer jacket, roll-neck jacquard jumpsuit, jacquard knit bucket hat, Re-nylon reversible scarf with pocket, Cleo jacquard-nylon shoulder bagiconzipped pouch short gloves, and black suede boots, all by Prada, black leather belt with fringes by Alaïa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sinbad Phgura @sinbadphgura
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