Sandra‘s Closet

Tapping into the Balletcore trend for S/S 2025, Christian Louboutin revisits the classic ballet pump with the Cassia Lace Up heel‘s square toe and satin ties. A testament to the shoemaker’s ‘savoir-faire’ and inspired by ballet slippers, they are made entirely from black or nude crepe satin. Enhanced by a grosgrain trim, they sit on a 100 mm stiletto heel and tie around the ankle with a ribbon.

To shop the Cassia 100 bow-detailed grosgrain-trimmed satin-crepe pumps, click here please.

 Have fun staying en pointe! I just adore them!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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This upcoming Sunday’s gala episode of MY STYLE ROCKS will be all about Pop Art, which means it will be all about bold colors, graphic prints, and playful designs that bring art to life through clothing. Inspired by the 1960s Pop Art movement, it features vibrant patterns, comic-style graphics, and everyday cultural references like logos and icons. This fun, rebellious style turns fashion into a canvas, celebrating creativity and making a bold, eye-catching statement.

Jeremy Scott’s work for Moschino often drew on Pop Art references, blending bold, vibrant colors with playful, consumer-culture imagery. He transformed everyday objects like fast food logos, candy wrappers, and cleaning products into high-fashion statements, channeling the spirit of artists like Andy Warhol. Scott’s designs celebrated the quirky, fun, and provocative essence of Pop Art, making his collections for Moschino both whimsical and deeply rooted in pop culture commentary.

My look: Cropped trench jacket by Dolce & Gabbana, printed cotton-blend faille skirt, matching bustier top, and pearl necklace with bow, all by Moschino, inflated oversized square-frame acetate sunglasses by Loewe, Aevitas pointy stud leather platform pumps by Versace, and Mondrian embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch by Olympia Le-Tan.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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Louis Vuitton and renowned contemporary artist Takashi Murakami celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their era-defining collaboration with the launch of an extensive re-edition collection.

Some of my own Louis Vuitton – Murakami pieces that I have collected over the years.

My avid readers know, that I have kept every single piece I have invested in for over 30 years. I have always believed that they will be back in style and predicted the era of re-editions and the sustainability movement. I still have the Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami items from 20 years ago and now it is time to unpack them again. For a long time, they seemed outdated as they had been copied too much. However keeping fashion items is a smart choice because trends often come full circle, with styles being reintroduced or reimagined over time. What may seem outdated today can become a statement piece tomorrow. By holding onto well-crafted items, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste. Fashion reeditions give old favorites a new life, proving that timeless pieces never truly go out of style.

Takashi Murakami

Twenty years after Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami first came together for what became an era-defining collaboration, the House and the Japanese artist are proud to announce the arrival of Louis Vuitton × Murakami, a joyful and celebratory re-edition that reimagines and updates the original collection. Consisting of more than 200 uplifting creations, the project acts as a modern-day showcase for an enduring creative bond, defined by artistic vision, remarkable feats of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, and the timeless appeal of this seminal moment in early 21st-century pop and collector culture.

Actor and singer Zendaya stars in the campaign for Louis Vuitton x Murakami created by renowned Dutch photographers, Inez and Vinoodh.

For Louis Vuitton × Murakami, the playful, yet profound works that the artist created for the original collaboration, initiated by the House’s then Artistic Director, Marc Jacobs – including a kaleidoscopic reinterpretation of the iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram pattern, the first time in its history that it had been reworked – are now celebrated and featured across a wide-ranging assortment of the House’s most renowned and coveted women’s leather goods and accessories.
The renditions have their own respective label, which I love as it will distinguish the original from the reeditions.

The Louis Vuitton x Murakami reedition will be celebrated within a fully immersive visual landscape, ranging from window displays to pop-ups and pop-ins, as well as innovative in-store activations and a dedicated advertising campaign. Louis Vuitton × Murakami will be available to order worldwide from now. A second chapter will be launched in March 2025 and focus on the artist’s perfect-for-spring Cherry Blossom pattern.

I love when old things feel brand new and the original is always better than the re-edition!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton and © Sandra Bauknecht
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We are only a few days in the new year and we have already a new It-bag or at least a bag the fashion world talks about. Walmart launched an affordable handbag on their website  that mimics the style of the iconic Hermès Birkin, with prices ranging from $78 to $102. Dubbed the «Walmart Wirkin» by social media users, the affordable alternative exploded in popularity on TikTok, with influencers showcasing the bags and offering mixed reviews.

«The Walmart Birkin bag is called a Wirkin and it’s for the Wirkin class,» a TikTok user wrote.

Screen shot from the Walmart website

Becoming a hit for its design and quality at a fraction of the luxury bag’s price, the Wirkin has also sparked debates about the ethics of producing and buying luxury «dupes.»  A dupe is a product that imitate the design of luxury items without being counterfeit as they don’t show a logo. Supporters argue that such items democratize fashion by making high-end styles accessible to a broader audience, while critics contend that they may undermine the value of original designs and contribute to issues related to fast fashion. 

Birkin 35 in orange Togo leather by Hermès

Personally speaking, such concerns are overblown; the Wirkin isn’t the first, and almost certainly not the last, cheap clone of a designer bag to hit the market. However the degree to which the conversation took off shows the growing sentiment among shoppers, who are frustrated with big luxury.

Birkin 30 in gold Epsom leather by Hermès

For luxury aficionados, owning a Hermès Birkin is a mark of exclusivity and wealth. These bags, named after actress and singer Jane Birkin, are not readily available in Hermès stores. Shoppers often face months-long waitlists, even after securing a coveted spot for purchase. However the quality of a Birkin bag is outstanding and that is something a dupe can never deliver. Each Hermès Birkin bag is hand-sewn by a single artisan, and is then buffed, painted, and polished, taking up to 40 hours to make. Artisans purportedly train for five years before they are allowed to make their first Birkin bag. The stitch on which the brand’s reputation is based — the saddle — cannot be replicated by a machine, as it requires two needles simultaneously passing through the same seam. I wrote my first blog post ever about it. This is how Sandra’s Closet started in November 2009 (see collage below).

Truth is … if you walk into a Hermès store for the first time, no amount of money will be enough to get you the Birkin bag of your dreams. That’s because each store reserves the bags for a limited number of customers, and typically only those who’ve made enough repeat purchases. In October 2024, three U.S. consumers sued the French luxury house to persuade the judge that the company is forcing buyers to spend thousands of dollars on other products before they can purchase one of its famed Birkin bags.

Two super special Birkin editions: Faubourg Birkin 20 in So Black matte alligator with black hardware and Himalaya Niloticus crocodile Birkin bag, both by Hermès.

The question I am asking is «what is luxury». For me, it is walking into a shop, getting something that I wished for, and being treated like a princess during this process, especially if I spend these astronomical amounts of money. Unfortunately, those times are over. If the sales associate doesn’t know you, you might feel rejected and won’t be treated well. Then, the other problem is, that these bags achieve such high prices on the secondary market, that they become desired objects for robbers, something that I had to unfortunately experience myself. So the question is … is it really luxury if I have to worry about it instead of indulging into it?!

Maybe one day the «Wirkin» will too be looked at as a piece of art, albeit a print vs an original. Safe to carry around with less risk to be stolen.

LoL, Sandra

Shiny Rose Schéhérazade Porosus Crocodile 25 Birkin bag by Hermès

Photos (1-3): Courtesy of Walmart
All other photos of the Hermès Birkin bags: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Rosita Missoni, co-founder of the renowned Italian fashion house Missoni, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at her home in Sumirago, Italy, at the age of 93. 

Born Rosita Jelmini on November 20, 1931, in Golasecca, Italy, she hailed from a family with a rich textile heritage. Rosita studied modern languages. On a trip to London in 1948 to improve her English, she met Ottavio, who was competing with the Italian 400 metres hurdles team at the Olympics in the city. In 1953, she married her fellow textile enthusiast Ottavio «Tai» Missoni. Together, they established Missoni, transforming it into a symbol of Italian luxury fashion celebrated for its vibrant knitwear, distinctive zigzag patterns and avant-garde use of textiles, an approach to fashion often compared to modern art.

Missoni models in 1966, Photo: Courtesy of Missoni

Under Rosita’s creative direction, Missoni gained international acclaim for its innovative designs and contributions to ready-to-wear fashion. It was also helped by what was dubbed the ‘battle of the bras‘ in 1967. Missoni had been invited to show at the Pitti Palace in Florence but before the models went out on the runways Rosita noticed that their bras were visible through their tops, ruining the intended colour and pattern effect. She told the models to remove their bras but, under the runway lighting, their outfits became totally transparent and the incident caused a sensation.

Angela Missoni at the Missoni show during Milan Fashion Week S/S 2018, Photo: Courtesy of Net-à-Porter

Rosita remained actively involved in the company until 1997, when she transitioned leadership to her children, notably her daughter Angela, who assumed the role of creative director. Rosita then focused on expanding the Missoni Home collection, infusing the brand’s signature aesthetic into home furnishings. 

The Missoni family faced significant tragedies in 2013, with the loss of their eldest son, Vittorio, in a plane crash, followed by Ottavio’s passing later that year. Despite these challenges, Rosita’s unwavering dedication ensured the brand’s continued prominence in the fashion industry. 

Rosita Missoni’s legacy endures through her pioneering spirit, innovative designs, and the vibrant patterns that have become synonymous with the Missoni brand. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the fashion world, inspiring generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.

The brand expanded into home collections and hotels. In 2018 Italian investment fund FSI invested 70 million euros in the company in exchange for a 41% stake. Missoni picked Rothschild in 2023 as financial adviser to explore a potential sale of the company. As of October 2024, Alberto Caliri serves as the creative director of Missoni. A veteran of the company since 1998, Caliri previously led Missoni’s home and sport categories. He initially assumed the creative director role on an interim basis after Angela Missoni’s departure in 2021 and was officially appointed following Filippo Grazioli’s tenure from 2022 to 2024. 

Missoni S/S 2025

Under Caliri’s leadership, Missoni continues to innovate while staying true to its distinctive aesthetic, as evidenced in recent collections. 

Rest in Peace, Rosita, and thank you for these amazing patterns and fantastic knitwear!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Missoni, Missoni Archives, Grazia, Sandra Bauknecht
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My New Year’s Resolution? Stay chic, embrace dress-up, and take life one stylish day at a time! I want to emphasize progress over perfection, and living in the now. As I tend to worry about the future or being overwhelmed by the bigger picture, I want to focus on the present moment and handle challenges as they come.

My look: Reversible hooded cashmere teddy effect and shell vest by Brunello Cucinelli, black crystal embellished sweater by Ermanno Scervino, jeggings by Marc by Marc Jacobs, cashmere shawl 140 «Harnais De Cour Bandana» in Marine / Bleu / Ciel by Hermès, vintage aviator sunglasses DG 2115 05-8F in silver by Dolce & Gabbana, and Trekkgirl snow boots by Valentino.

Reconnect with your inner child: play, dream, and embrace the joy of being carefree!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Happy New Year 2025 to all of you, my fabulous readers! New year, fresh vibes, and a heart full of gratitude—let’s make it unforgettable! Here’s to a year of sparkle, style, and unforgettable looks. May your 2025 be as fabulous as your favorite pair of heels and as fun as a last-minute shopping spree. Wishing you lots of runway-worthy moments and outfits that turn heads wherever you go!

I am so excited for the next chapter at MY STYLE ROCKS. Cheers to a season of embracing bold choices, and rocking every outfit like a winner, to a closet full of dreams, and a year full of fashion-forward memories!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Beyaz @kazmva0
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Following my tradition, here are my favourite outfits of 2024 on the last day of the year – a little retrospective recalling my most fashionable moments, photographed in amazing places around the globe. I spent the past months mostly in Istanbul filming MY STYLE ROCKS and I am so grateful for this adventure that will continue in 2025.

Enjoy your New Year’s Eve! May your 2025 be as stylish as it is successful. I am wishing you a year of bold fashion choices, new inspirations, and a closet that always feels like your happy place.

LoL, Sandra

JANUARY 2024: Snow Bunny

Sport Couture – Sea Point – Coffee

Courrèges – Let’s Eat Cake

FEBRUARY 2024: Sky Blue

London Home – Dries Van Noten

Jolie – Jean Paul Gaultier x KNOWLS

MARCH 2024: Chicago

Fashion Kills – Mystic Tours

Wimbledon – Shine and Sparkle!

APRIL 2024: Art or Not

Boat Love – Pink Love

Johannesburg – Temple Goddess

MAY 2024: Mini

Mauritius Green – Zurich – Street Parade 2024

JUNE 2024: Make Waves

Summer Party – My Hood

JULY 2024: Radiant Dinner in Cannes

Cap Malheureux – Knowing

AUGUST 2024: Party Time

SEPTEMBER 2024: Club Night

OCTOBER 2024: Never Stop Dreaming

Montreux – Color Blocking

NOVEMBER 2024: Fashion Fairy

Never Seen Together – Saturday – Do Not Forget

DECEMBER 2024: ‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Redeem – Joy – Black Bang

Quiet Luxury – Cherry On The Cake

Warrior – ’80s

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Cherry on the Cake: The cherry print trend is the ultimate sweet treat for your wardrobe, adding a playful pop of fruity fun to everything from dresses to accessories. It’s fashion’s cheeky nod to dessert lovers—because why just eat cake when you can wear it, too?

My look: Cherry-print cotton trench coat, cropped checked plissé-cotton T-shirt, asymmetric printed plissé-twill skirt, faux fur-trimmed leather and velvet mules, by Burberry, aviator sunglasses by Chloé, cherry necklace, and matching cherry earrings, both by Jacquemus.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Felicia Sewerinsson @feliciasewerinsson
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Fair Isle sweaters (or cardigans), renowned for their intricate, multicolored patterns, have become a quintessential element of winter fashion. Originating from Fair Isle in Scotland, these sweaters have evolved from traditional knitwear to contemporary fashion staples, blending heritage with modern style.

In the 2024 winter season, Fair Isle sweaters are experiencing a significant resurgence. Fashion houses like Chloé, Thom Browne, and Polo Ralph Lauren, have incorporated them into their collections, showcasing the pattern’s versatility and timeless appeal.

Fair Isle is here to stay: Altuzarra S/S 2025

Styling Tips
• Casual Wear: Pair a Fair Isle sweater with jeans and boots for a cozy, everyday look.
• Layering: Combine with a collared shirt underneath to add a touch of sophistication.
• Festive Ensemble: Opt for sweaters featuring traditional Christmas colors or motifs to enhance the holiday spirit.

Embracing Fair Isle sweaters this Christmas not only aligns with current fashion trends but also adds a touch of traditional charm to your holiday wardrobe. Their versatility and timeless appeal make them a joyful addition to any festive ensemble.

LoL, Sandra

Fair Isle wool-blend cardigan by Thom Browne

 Fair Isle alpaca, merino wool and cashmere-blend sweater by Chloé

Fair Isle cashmere and wool-blend jacquard-knit sweater by Ralph Lauren Collection

Marc intarsia cashmere-blend cardigan by Khaite

Marty Fair Isle cotton sweater by Altuzarra

Fair Isle embroidered mohair-blend sweater by LOEWE + Suna Fujita

Fair Isle alpaca-blend sweater by Frame

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © Sandra Bauknecht
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