Unboxing Valentino Event

A global unboxing. Expressing their creative vision, talented stylists have reinterpreted the amazing Unboxing Valentino S/S 2023 collection through an interactive styling experience around the world. From Anna della Russo‘s vibrant approach in the Dubai Mall to Rebecca Corbin-Murray‘s floral windows in London and Clément Lomellini‘s progressive interpretation in Paris. In Switzerland, I had the honor to host the event. It was an amazing day filled with beautiful encounters, and fashionable talks.

Exploring the Unboxing Valentino collection under my creative proposal, clients discovered outfit combinations and different style tips catered to their personal needs.

What is Unboxing Valentino’s S/S 2023 collection about? Designed by Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, it celebrates the «diversity and complexity within purity». Revealing the essence by «unboxing», hence its name, removing unnecessary things and creating new expressions on the diversity of body, face, history, colour and texture. A second skin is created; conveyed through a palette of sensuous fleshy tones, in beige, light camel and ebony.

Layering plays a key role in the collection, allowing the wearer to play around, to celebrate their own individuality and body type. One must-have is the bodysuit, the second-skin jersey offers the perfect base for every look created.

The Toile Iconographe pattern, first introduced in the S/S 2023 Pre-Collection, is worn head to toe. The VLogo aims at reproducing the effect of monochrome, like an iconographic canvas. The looks can easily be transformed from day to night. Being very versatile, those pieces will be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

Through a framework of couture, Piccioli and his team harmonized volume and shape in complex creations. Coats and jackets, preferably worn oversized, have an urban attitude and are blended with detachable feathers. Personally speaking my favorite is the nude androgynous blazer – I couldn’t resist this one. Following the «unboxing» principle, it is lined with an organza vest, revealing its immaculate sartorial craftsmanship.

Vibrant shades are also introduced, from red to violet blue, from teal green to yellow. Worn in combination with fleshy tones, the bicolor options offer a modern, yet sophisticated approach to the day and night wardrobe.

I have fallen in love with the dresses created in «oblique plissé» that allow its wearer to change their look just by removing the cape shoulder with a button placed on the center back. The shape of the dress is achieved just by the underpinned body which works as its only lining. Airy, light, dynamic and absolutely modern, those dresses are a must for summer.

Precious embroideries take center stage on separates and outerwear pieces. A new technique has been introduced that demands extreme precision and expertise, the «plissé embroidery». For the first time presented at the S/S 2023 show, it requires nine different craftsmanship steps to obtain these one-of-a-kind pieces. My stunner piece of the collection is the beautiful coat in aquarium color, it needed a place in Sandra’s Closet.

For night, I recommend pairing your look with one of the stunning sparkly bags that the Maison offers. Available in the most vibrant shades, they add the perfect touch to every outfit.

Fashion is a language that speaks to everyone, and this collection does just that. It celebrates individuality and diversity while emphasising the importance of removing the inessential to reveal the essence. The Unboxing Valentino S/S 2023 collection inspires people to express themselves and their identities by capturing their own essence.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht/ Rian Davidson 
DISCLOSURE: Paid collaboration with Valentino. #PartnershipwithValentino #SuppliedbyValentino
We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.
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Valentino PP Pink Collection

Before showing you the details of one of my favorite outfits for F/W 2022, I would like to take you to the moment when it all started. In March 2022, I attended the Valentino F/W 2022 presentation. The invite, created with artist and writer Douglas Coupland, was beautifully done in pink and my gut feeling told me to wear something in this color family.

Beautiful show invitation and surprises from Valentino

The moment I entered the show location at Carreau du Temple in Paris, I perfectly blended in. The hall was decorated in all pink – giving the audience a hint of what would be coming up. However, I think nobody would have expected the full spectrum.

Details of my look coming up shortly… it’s all Valentino from different seasons.

For Valentino‘s F/W 2022 collection, Pierpaolo Piccioli focused on a single color, hot pink. A shade, developed in collaboration with Pantone, and exclusive to Valentino, so catchy and energetic that it deserves its own name, Valentino Pink PP. Right before the show started, Zendaya, the Maison’s muse, arrived in a pink power suit with floral appliqués from the new collection. The American star is also the face of the Valentino Pink PP Collection campaign.

For the designer, «it was a monochromatic journey into the realm of possibilityEvery look on his runway was pink or it was black. Needless to stay, the vibrant fuchsia tone stole the show. The Pink PP collection emphasized textures, materials, and precious items details.

Radical. Monochromatic. Beautiful. Valentino’s La vie en rose presented couture and oversized silhouettes created with interesting materials, from silk faille, to silky wool, to feather embellishments Piccoli is known for. Jumpsuits with graphic necklines, cargo trousers, transparent blouses, knitwear made with sequins, 3D floral embellishments, cut-out bustiers, and spectacular dresses encrusted with crystals, flowers and/or bows. The looks were completed by full-length tights in the respective color and vertiginous platforms, that gave the impression of ultra long legs. Something we all want.

Thus Valentino moved from the signature red to pink and that translated also into the labels and shopping bags this season. The collection has been ultra successful so far, selling out like crazy.

My favorite dress from the collection. It was love at first sight when I saw it on the runway (left) and the next day in the showroom(right).

When you buy a Valentino Pink PP piece, each item will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (available only for pink items) to celebrate its unique identity.

Pink PP charisma takes the globe. The Maison celebrates the new Valentino Pink PP collection, making its mark with installations in cities around the world. I shot my first look (yep, I got many… this collection is too good!) in front of the store at 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris, that was wrapped all in pink during Paris Fashion Week.

Landed in pink paradise when I visited the showroom the next day to see everything close up.

Below you can see more impressions from the show, my showroom visit and some of the celebrities who attended the runway show.

LoL, Sandra

American actress Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical )

Gilda Ambrosio (The Attico – a brand I love)

My lovely host Libby Page, Market Director at NET-A-PORTER

Obsessed with these heels!

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

Valentino’s Couture Platform Boots and Shoes

First presented during the Valentino Code Temporal S/S 2021 Haute Couture fashion show in Rome, Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli showed some insane platform boots and heels. Reminiscent of stripper boots, they represent a conscious exaggeration and a proud demonstration of personality, inspired by Lady Gaga. Considering no one else has really presented big platform soles lately, which I totally miss, those Valentino shoes immediately caught me eye during Paris Fashion Week.

Valentino Code Temporal S/S 2021 Haute Couture

Bright, bold, and as ultra high, those incredibly shiny gold boots are really «couture». The leather is shaped in a ruffled slouchy way that stays perfectly in shape. The boots are surprisingly light and easy to balance on. Along this key style, there is also an ankle-strap platform pump, and a golden wedge.

Love at first sight in the Paris Avenue Montaigne store.

The special packaging

Presented with a special packaging dedicated to Valentino Code Temporal collection, these bold shoes are only available in selected Valentino boutiques worldwide: Tokyo Ginza, Beijing Shin Kong Place, Shanghai Plaza, Madison Avenue New York, The Dubai Mall, Milan Montenapoleone, Rome Piazza di Spagna, Paris Avenue Montaigne and Monte Carlo. A huge thank you to the Zurich store for getting them for me!

The new Valentino Garavani platform shoes and boots set a new step for couture and found their place in Sandra’s Closet.

For those, who like platforms but don’t want to go that high, Valentino has also a more modest version available. CLICK HERE TO SHOP.
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LoL, Sandra

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

Valentino (V) Vaccinated

(V) VaccinatedValentino continues its commitment against COVID-19. Discover the limited-edition hoodie boasting the VLogo Signature in the new guise of a statement: «(V) Vaccinated». All revenues will be donated to UNICEF in favor of the COVAX facility, which ensures equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines by supplying doses to countries in need.

Lady Gaga supports the cause.  The pop star sported the hoodie back in August for a video promoting Valentino Beauty, which she ended with a plea for followers to «get vaccinated.»

«Getting vaccinated has become the most effective way to fight this global pandemic, as well as a symbol of respect for others and social responsibility.» – Pierpaolo Piccioli

The unisex (V) Vaccinated Hoodie will be shipped within 25 October.
TO SHOP CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Valentino and via Instagram @ladygaga

Met Gala 2021

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 RentaKarlie 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

My Look: Roman Studs

 I am obsessed with Pierpaolo Piccioli‘s take on the iconic Valentino Rockstuds for S/S 2021. He is making them bigger and better than ever, as the Rockstud take on gargantuan proportions. So-called Roman studs, Roman architecture inspired this iconic motif able to manifest the Maison’s bourgeois and punk essences. Here I combined my new bag with a beautiful cape dress and long gloves. This is one of my favorite looks of the season. For another outfit inspiration with the bag, click here please.

My look: Cape-effect belted double-breasted houndstooth wool mini dress by Michael Kors Collection, Eloise 100 suede knee boots iconby Christian Louboutin, hoop-drop clip earrings by Saint Laurentembellished leather glovesicon, and Roman Stud quilted leather shoulder bag, both by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
The photos were taken in front of the Chalet au Lac.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Valentino Rockstud X & Roman Studs

In 2009, Valentino caused a fashion frenzy when its creative directors at that time power duo, Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, came up with what would be one of the maison’s most fortuitous accessories: the Rockstud sandals. With their dainty shape and small pyramidal studs, the shoes were immediately loved by fashionistas around the globe.

Me with some Rockstud details

Now in the creative directorship solo, Piccioli is celebrating the style’s 10th anniversary with a new program called Valentino Garavani Rockstud X. Categorized as an «open lab» the series will see Piccioli collaborate with a rotating cast of guest designers on the Rockstud. First up: the conceptual British designer Craig Green (see cover photo). Already known for his partnerships with Moncler and Adidas, this is the first time Green has reached the upper echelons of the fashion world, where arguably Valentino reigns. The Valentino x Craig Green collaboration product will be unveiled in early January 2021 while the product is set to launch in stores around late February 2021.

However, you don’t need to wait until February to get your hands on something very beautiful from Valentino. For S/S 2021, Piccioli is making the Valentino Rockstud bigger and better than ever, as the Rockstud take on gargantuan proportions, embellishing gladiator sandals and bags that will be a big hit. So-called Roman studs, Roman architecture inspired this iconic motif able to manifest the Maison’s bourgeois and punk essences.

TO SHOP THE NEW ROMAN STUDS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

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

Valentino Bluegrace

For the VALENTINO Bluegrace collection, blue motifs historically used in Dutch pottery decorate dresses in tulle, crêpe de chine and brocade for the Pre-Fall 2020 collection.

Pierpaolo Piccioli looks to the past to sculpt a new present, balancing the renowned Dutch pottery motifs and archive influences on soft silhouettes. Fabrics are enriched with feathers, pleats and lace embroideries, following the Maison’s timeless codes to shape a new day-to-night aesthetic.

Unexpected accessories and spontaneous combinations mix with solemn couture charm, meeting a dynamic idea of modernity. Last week, I had the chance to explore the collection first hand in the VALENTINO store in Zurich.

Exploring the new collection in a vibrant green look from Valentino S/S 2020.

The store was filled with some amazing pieces and decorated with floral arrangements in white and blue that were gifted to the customers.

Below you can see more official photos of the collection, that is now available in the Zurich stores. TO SHOP THE COLLECTION ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With lovely Gianfranca Addis, Store Manager Valentino Zurich.

Photos: © Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht
#ValentinoBluegrace #ValentinoFall2020
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Moncler Genius

F/W 2018 saw the birth of Moncler’s innovative Genius line – a groundbreaking series of monthly drops in which the iconic French house teams up with trailblazing designers of the moment. The F/W 2019 offering included Richard Quinn, Simone Rocha and 1952 presenting their signature take on Moncler’s key house codes with vibrant patterns from Quinn, elegant British florals from Rocha and bold colour palettes from 1952.

For the newest capsule, Moncler Genius has partnered with no other than Valentino’s Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli who states dreaminess, extravagance and traditions as inspiration behind those to-die-for pieces. The colour-block motif used for this collection – an exclusive pattern from Lemlem founder Liya Kebede, whose work supports African artisans.

My favorite pieces are below –  this gown is an avant-garde alternative to classic eveningwear along with the amazing ski jackets that are perfect for every day.

TO SHOP MONCLER GENIUS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Moncler
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Dior Hires Valentino’s Maria Grazia Chiuri

Maria_Grazia_chiuri_Valentino_Dior

In the end of last week, it was announced that Maria Grazia Chiuri had left Valentino, where she was co-creative director with partner Pierpaolo Piccioli. One day later, we knew where she would head to. It is quite breaking news: she will be the new artistic director at Dior, which marks the first woman in the fashion label’s 59 year history to take this position. Chiuri takes the place of Raf Simons who departed in October (for the previous post, click here please).

2822Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri take a bow after the Valentino couture show on Wednesday.

Somehow, it feels quite sad. Chiuri worked with Piccioli for 25 years, first at Fendi then behind the scenes at Valentino. In 2008, they were named creative directors in 2008 and brought the label into a new era.

valentino-rockstud-sandals

Rockstud embellished leather sandals
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Think of all the famous «Rockstuds» that gained a huge following… romance with a twist of coolness, that is what there collections have been made of. The Valentino sales rose constantly, in the first quarter of 2016, already by 9%.

valentino-pre-fall-2016-collection-lookbookTO SHOP VALENTINO PRE-FALL 2016, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
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It is sure that LVMH, Christian Dior’s parent company, is hoping for Chiuri bringing the same success there. She beat other contenders for the highly prized job, including Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton and ex-Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz.
Her first ready to wear collection will take place on September 30 in Paris.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino, © Sandra Bauknecht and SIPA/REX/Shutterstock