Sandra‘s Closet

Louis Vuitton is embarking on a bold new chapter with the arrival of La Beauté, its first dedicated make-up line. Rooted in the Maison’s codes of travel, creativity, and savoir-faire, the line promises not just products, but collectible objets d’art designed to be cherished over time.

At the helm of this debut stands Dame Pat McGrath, DBE, appointed as Creative Director, Cosmetics. Known as one of the most influential make-up artists of our era, McGrath brings her signature artistry and innovation to Louis Vuitton, shaping a universe of beauty built on emotion and bold expression.

The initial collection focuses on three pillars: LV Rouge lipsticks in 55 shades, LV Baume lip balms in 10 luminous variations, and LV Ombres eyeshadow palettes in 8 chromatic harmonies. Each product is housed in sustainable and refillable packaging designed by Konstantin Grcic, combining modern responsibility with Louis Vuitton’s heritage of craftsmanship.

To mark the launch, the Maison unveiled a striking campaign captured by Steven Meisel and directed by Damien Krisl. House Ambassador Hoyeon, joined by models Ida Heiner, Chu Wong, and Awar Odhiang, embodies the brand’s vision of empowerment and femininity. Against surreal landscapes of crimson deserts and pink lakes, the imagery blurs the line between dream and reality, presenting beauty as both a lifestyle and an art form.

LV Rouge Complete Lipstick, €140
LV Baume Complete Lip Balm, €140
LV Ombres Complete Eyeshadows, €220
LV Rouge  and LV Baume Refills, €60
LV Ombres Refill, €80

The worldwide launch will be on August 29th, 2025 in a selection of Louis Vuitton stores (in Switzerland, available in Zurich only) and on louisvuitton.com following the worldwide digital pre-orders on August 25th.

While the creative vision and ambition of La Beauté are undeniable, the launch highlights a broader shift within luxury beauty. Over the past two years, prices in fashion and cosmetics have climbed to unprecedented heights, while service and quality often feel as though they are heading in the opposite direction. For many customers, the experience of walking into a boutique to indulge in a small luxury has become complicated: appointments are required, stock is limited, and spontaneity is replaced by waiting lists.

Luxury, at its essence, should feel effortless, joyful, and special. Increasingly, it risks feeling transactional, less about craftsmanship, more about access. Perhaps Louis Vuitton’s new beauty line will deliver on its promise of «heirloom-worthy» products. But as price tags rise, one can’t help but ask: is this still true luxury, or simply the performance of it?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Sandra Bauknecht
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Shot on the streets of Bloomsbury in London, the «Wrapped In Burberry» campaign channels the joy of spending the holiday season with loved ones, featuring portraits of friends of the house old and new. Among them is US-based couple Drs. Herschel and Lilly Stoller @drsburberry, who were both picked to star in the campaign for their long-standing support of the brand, top clients of Burberry for the last 20 years.

Last September, I personally met them at the Burberry S/S 2025 show in London where I spotted them across from me front row. They caught my eyes immediately and without knowing who they were I posted a photo of them, not only for their amazing outfits but also for the way they looked so happy together.

Later at the intimate clients dinner, we were seated close to each other and started to talk. Both have been fans of Burberry for over two decades. They are such a fascinating couple, I was blown away by their energy. In daily life they are doctors  living in Nebraska who both share the mutual admiration for the brand. I love how Burberry shows their appreciation in return by featuring them in their campaign.

Me at the Burberry S/S 2025 show in September

Engaging with clients seems to be on the rise and I think it is a beautiful thing to do. In March, Miu Miu had invited their most loyal customer, Qin Hiulan, a 70 year old doctor from Shanghai, to walk for their F/W 2024 show.

Co-starring in the «Wrapped in Burberry« campaign are Nigerian-born London-based artist Slawn, and his partner Tallula Christie with their two children, as well as «Rivals» stars David Tennant and Alex Hassell.

Coinciding with the fun festive campaign, Burberry is introducing a new virtual scarf try-on experience. Shoppers can now explore the brand’s signature cashmere check and alpaca wool scarves in over 50 colourways online, in-store, and on their own devices, making it easier than ever to find the perfect piece to complement any winter wardrobe.

With Joshua Schulman at the intimate clients dinner during London Fashion Week.

Congrats to Joshua Schulman, Chief Executive Officer Burberry since July, for rolling out such a family affair and to Daniel Lee, Chief Creative Officer  Burberry, for creating those beautiful special Burberry pieces for us.

TO SHOP BURBERRY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

With Daniel Lee at the after party last September.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Burberry
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Gucci unveils «We Will Always Have London», a new campaign by Creative Director Sabato De Sarno to present the Gucci Blondie bag and Cruise 2025 collection. Debbie Harry and Kelsey Lu, captured by the visionary Nan Goldin, are the protagonists of a story of people, places and moments, an ode to the timeless allure of London, and the House’s deep connection to the city. 

With a creative vision that evolves and deepens each season, from the discreet setting of S/S 2024 to the exploration of new sensuality in F/W 2024, Sabato De Sarno’s latest campaign for Gucci introduces new languages of artistry and romance. This latest chapter in a voyage through various dimensions of stylistic expression is set in London, an eternal muse for music, art, and culture, and where the Cruise 2025 collection debuted, embodying the creative spirit of the House’s ongoing love affair with the city. It was here, over a century ago, that a young Guccio Gucci, working as a liftboy at The Savoy hotel, first encountered the elegance and sophistication of the international elite. This experience sparked his ambition and led to the founding of his eponymous leather goods house in 1921, forging an enduring bond with London. This connection continues to shape Gucci’s creative journey, celebrated in the Cruise 2025 collection and in the «We Will Always Have London» campaign. 

Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Nan Goldin, brings her distinctive vision to the campaign. With honors such as France’s prestigious Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres in 2006, and a 2023 Academy Award nomination for her documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, Goldin is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of our time. For «We Will Always Have London,» her documentary-style approach infuses the imagery with an intimate, rare power. Goldin’s skill in capturing the raw essence of her subjects weaves a story where fashion transcends the runway, embodying the free-spirited energy at the core of Sabato De Sarno’s vision. The campaign follows its protagonists through various locations in the city under a mysterious nighttime ambiance, creating a cinematic narrative that melds timeless influences with a contemporary edge. 

Cultural icon Debbie Harry, co-founder and frontwoman of Blondie – whose rebellious spirit, trailblazing style, and enduring musical influence continue to inspire generations, stars alongside one of today’s most esteemed performing artists, cellists, and composers, Kelsey Lu.

These two women, though from distinct generations, share an undeniable creative spirit. Together, they symbolize the fusion of past and future that Gucci so often explores, and they embody the spirit of the Gucci Blondie bag, a timeless icon reimagined in the Cruise 2025 collection. The campaign features moments in London’s iconic cabs and atmospheric  spaces. Joining them are Alaato Jazyper, the face of Gucci’s F/W 2024 campaign, and Yanan Wan, who opened the Cruise 2025 runway at Tate Modern. As they explore the spaces of London’s home of modern art, they bring the collection’s narrative to life. 

At the heart of the campaign is the Gucci Blondie bag, not merely an accessory, but a piece of the House’s legacy reimagined for today’s world. First introduced in the early 1970s, the bag’s signature rounded emblem, crafted from leather or enamel, echoes the liberated spirit in the era of its origins, while its sleek, spacious silhouette speaks to today’s aesthetic. 

A collection that reflects the bold and the subtle, the Gucci Cruise 2025 collection continues this dialogue between past and future, weaving together contrasting elements in a celebration of opposites. Embroidered embellishments and delicate laces meet structured, precision-cut outerwear in a captivating exploration of dualities. 

LoL, Sandra

CREDITS: © Gucci – Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno  – Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola  – Director: Benoît Delhomme with Nan Goldin  – Photographer: Nan Goldin  – Stylist: Francesca Burns  – Casting Director: Piergiorgio Del Moro  – Make Up: Brigitte Reiss-Andersen  – Hair: Jimmy Paul  – Talent : Debbie Harry, Kelsey Lu  DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Balenciaga brand ambassador Nicole Kidman showcases the Rodeo Bag in a new campaign photographed by Mario Sorrenti, alongside Chinese actor and singer Yang Chaoyue, and American model Amelia Gray. The exquisitely crafted instant icon, named for a Drive in Beverly Hills, is customized with a selection of charms.

Their individuality is on display, set against a soft grey field in striking portraits. The Balenciaga Rodeo Bag is crafted in exquisite calfskin with a matte finish. Its one-of-a-kind construction and versatile closure options effect a relaxed attitude. Pre-worn pleats, softened piping, and raw edges call to mind a favorite item worn daily, or an heirloom passed between generations.

Included in the campaign are a selection of charms that are individually added for customization and differentiation purposes. The decorations or their absence imbue each Rodeo Bag with its own unique personality, complementing its wearer’s.

On the S/S 2024 runway, there was also a fully customized limited edition, that is available for € 9500.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Separate from the traditional seasonal collection releases is the latest series in Balenciaga’s brand – It’s A Different Campaign. The assortment boasts the likings of unconventional proportions, melded archetypes and homages to the typical silhouettes. Among the featured items are the Rodeo Bag and the Collector Rodeo Bag, along with a distressed Sock-On-Heel and Cargo Sneakers in silver and gold accents.

Collector Rodeo Bag and Rodeo Bag (S/S 2024)

Tape Bracelet (F/W 2024)

Personally speaking, Balenciaga is now like a new kind of Moschino, sporting this tongue-in-cheek humor I adore in fashion. Demna Gvasalia takes it even up a notch by selling polyester and daily appliances for a lot of money, such as the tape bracelet spotted on the F/W 2024 runway that is said to cost around $3300 and that has had the internet roaring. It is merely the latest in Balenciaga’s long, proud, provocative tradition.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga / Instagram
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Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are the new faces of Gucci Valigeria. The House’s latest campaign embraces the spirit of «Gucci Ancora» as a celebration of the love that lies at the centre of Gucci’s community.

Shot in an airport, the meeting place where journeys begin, the campaign explores the intimacy of traveling together through the creative lens of Anthony Seklaoui. Stills capture the fleeting spirit of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s airport stroll, redefining the Jet Set glamour of the 1990s.

Effortlessly casual and chic looks complement the timeless elegance that defines the House’s travel collections. Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny carry items from the signature Gucci Savoy collection including GG Supreme duffle bags in different sizes, backpacks, rigid suitcases, and trolleys distinguished by a combination of heritage-infused design elements such as the GG monogram and/or the Web stripe. The campaign also introduces novel designs defined by fluorescent leather details alongside embossed GG rubberized leather styles.

I am so in love with this Savoy leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas suitcase by Gucci.

Through this Valigeria campaign, Gucci pays tribute to its founding history and heralds a new era of adventure and luxury travel in line with the vision of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno.

TO SHOP GUCCI VALIGERIA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Credits Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola Director: Nikita Kuzmeko Photographer: Anthony Seklaoui Stylist: Alastair McKimm Make-Up KJ: Mary Phillips Make-Up BB: Mira Chai Hyde Hair: Paul Hanlon Talents: Kendall Jenner & Bad Bunny
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This fall, everyone’s favourite fashion Teddy is celebrating a big birthday: ten gloriously chic years since the Max Mara Teddy Bear Coat won the hearts of well dressed women everywhere. The unsurpassed must-have, the Teddy Bear Coat, designed in 2013, was inspired by a Max Mara archival garment from the 80s. Its abundant volume is a tribute to the extravagance made it an instant hit, worn and sought after by stars and celebrities. The perfect, magical combination of glamour and playfulness its silhouette and exquisite fabric exude give it the extraordinary ability to work from the street to the red carpet with a simple change of accessories! Season after season, it reinvents itself as a gilet or a biker jacket.

This season a special advertising campaign – featuring Mariacarla Boscono and shot by Tyler Mitchell – spreads the message and mantra of every self respecting icon: «I was, I am, I will be».

The secret of the success of the iconic Teddy Bear Coat is its unique, enveloping shape and premium fabric. A perfect blend of extremely soft wool and alpaca or camel fibres on a silk base that strikes the perfect balance between glamour and functionality.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary, the Teddy Bear Icon Coat gets an upgrade and comes as a limited edition that is embellished with sparkling crystals. The model is available in camel or white.

TO SHOP THE LIMITED EDITION TEDDY BEAR ICON COAT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Max Mara
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Gucci proudly commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Horsebit 1953 loafer, an enduring emblem of the House’s heritage and savoir-faire, with a new campaign starring actor and Ambassador Paul Mescal and Global Brand Ambassador Xiao Zhan.

Gucci Catalog in 1968

Introduced in 1953, the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer revolutionized the world of footwear, blending sophistication with comfort. Its distinctive design, featuring a miniaturized horse bit—a double ring connected by a bar—soon became a hallmark element of the House effortlessly bridging the gap between the heritage of the past and contemporary fashion. Over the decades, the Gucci loafer has evolved into an essential part of the wardrobe thanks to its ability to seamlessly blend Italian craftsmanship, the American outdoor lifestyle, and the classic British equestrian aesthetic.

Ad Campaign in 1990

The legendary Horsebit 1953 loafer encapsulates Gucci’s rich history, with its enduring appeal that transcends generations, it serves as an example of Italian design excellence and elegance.

The new campaign showcases the timeless yet contemporary allure of this style, as both Paul Mescal and Xiao Zhan are captured at ease wearing the original design from 1953. Their portraits elegantly demonstrate how the heritage hardware and silhouette continue to inspire and captivate generation after generation.

Below you can enjoy some making of photos.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci – Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno – Art Director: Riccardo Zanola – Photographer & Director: Heji Shin DoP: Karol Jurga – Styling: Felicity Kay – Grooming: Josh Knight – Set Design: Danny Hyland DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Gucci unveils an innovative iteration of its heritage Horsebit 1955 bag, transformed through an asymmetrical aesthetic and brought to life in Demetra—an innovative animal-free material that combines quality, softness, and durability—in collaboration with iconic musical artist Billie Eilish, who is known for her bold advocacy.

This Horsebit 1955 is the first Gucci bag ever to be crafted in Demetra, exemplifying Gucci’s forward-looking approach as the House’s traditional tanning craftsmanship supports a transformation towards a more ethical fashion future. Made from 75% plant-derived raw material sources, the animal-free Demetra is the culmination of two years of research and development by Gucci’s own technicians and artisans and has been produced in Italy since 2021 in a Gucci factory.

The collaboration is celebrated in a new campaign of imagery and videos that all feature Billie’s unfiltered, authentic tone of voice. The videos are a series of cinematic moments, woven together in a candid motion piece that feels like an album of Billie’s life and set to her song, «What Was I Made For?».

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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CHANEL has named that Lily-Rose Depp is the new muse of the Première Édition Originale watch. The campaign stars the actress and House Ambassador presenting this super iconic watch model.

« Beautiful, delicate, chic, classic.
I think that it’s a watch that only CHANEL could make! »
Lily-Rose Depp, actress and Ambassador of CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. @LILYROSE_DEPP #CHANELPremiere #CHANELWatches