Sandra‘s Closet

In April this year, I introduced you to CHANEL‘s amazing watch capsule collection CHANEL ELECTRO, with graphic codes borrowed from Electro culture.

In the 1990s, this music genre offered a radically original reflection of the night-time world and ambience within which it developed. Electronic music moved beyond the bounds of music to generate an authentic aesthetic culture. Performance became all-encompassing, a sensory, graphic experience that transcended sound. Inseparable from the venues where it evolved, Electro culture developed into a fully fledged artistic genre. At the heart of this narrative lies the confrontation between black and white and color. Color lights up white. Deep black intensifies color.

Needless to say, I couldn’t resist and am so happy about this new addition in my watch closet: PREMIÈRE ELECTRO watch that is a limited edition of only 555 pieces.

Steel case with black ADLC treatment. Steel caseback. Steel crown with onyx cabochon. Black-lacquered dial with neon pink CHANEL logo. Triple row steel chain bracelet with black ADLC treatment interwoven with neon rainbow leather strap. High precision quartz movement. Water-resistance: 30 meters. Functions: hours, minutes. Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 6.2 mm.

The watch bracelet comes in different sizes. I am wearing an XS.

And there is more. The Première introduces its Electro edition with 7 Watchmaking creations displayed in a presentation box.

PREMIÈRE ELECTRO BOX
PREMIÈRE ELECTRO BOX presents a graphic polyptych of 7 watches arranged to create an
ultra-vivid color field. An intense contrast between the depth of the black and the neon colors
of the leather straps that encircle the wrist. An ode to color and a promise of an easy, relaxed
look for every day of the week.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL and © David Biedert Photography
#CHANELElectro #CHANELPremiere #CHANELWatches

Next stop on the 40th Anniversary Tour — Downtown LA! OPI transports its consumers to the contemporary streets of downtown Los Angeles, where big city culture meets modern expansion for the Fall 2021 collection. With 12 colors in four different formulas in hues ranging from trans-seasonal to the dramatic, the Downtown LA Collection offers a versatile palette.

Gender-fluid hues of lilac and pink mix with warm autumn tones of metallic rose and rich auburn brown. Bold hues of raspberry, cherry red, plum, and green pine are counterbalanced by post punk dusty and dark shades of blue and gray.

«This fall, we’re continuing our hometown 40th anniversary celebration and exploring an area of the city that’s been shaped by the heritage of many cultures — downtown Los Angeles,» remarks OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann.

«With this collection, we’ve blended historic downtown LA with new revival; this concept is epitomized by the shade Abstract After Dark, which is an updated version of Lincoln Park After Dark, OPI’s iconic vampy dark hue. Inspired by the glittering nights of Los Angeles, this new shade pairs deep blue hues of blue and purple with the shimmering sparkle of sunset along the city skyline.»

7th & Flower

Shade names speak to favorite downtown locales: 7th & Flower is an iconic intersection in the heart of the city, Isn’t It Grand Avenue is home to major art museums like The Broad and MOCA, Angel’s Flight to Starry Nights was inspired by the Angel’s Flight railway in Bunker Hill, My Studio’s on Spring is named after Spring Street, Graffiti Sweetie pays homage to all the vibrant murals, and Art Walk in Suzi’s Shoes is a nod to the art district’s many art walks.

Abstract After Dark

The 12 Downtown LA Collection shades will be available in GelColor, Infinite Shine and Nail Lacquer formulas, including:

Metallic Composition
A shimmery rose gold that’s a sketch of your imagination.
Graffiti Sweetie
Make a statement with this perfectly sweet crème lilac.
(P)Ink on Canvas
A pastel crème blush for your own interpretation.
Espresso Your Inner Self
Bring out your inner artist with a deep espresso brown.
7th & Flower
Bloom into a magenta motif with this ode to Downtown LA.
Art Walk in Suzi’s Shoes
A crimson crème red made for walking into galleries.

Violet Visionary

Isn’t It Grand Avenue
Channel museum nights with this intensely dark navy blue.
Angel’s Flight to Starry Nights
Twinkle with a shimmery wash of dusky cool blue.
OPI DTLA
A deep downtown gray you’ll absolutely fall for.
Abstract After Dark
A shimmery midnight purple that will spark your creativity.
Violet Visionary
Hue will be posing in this rich violet crème.
My Studio’s On Spring
A lush, deep green that’s a work of art.

My Studio’s On Spring

GelColor provides a salon-perfect finish with up to three-week wear, while Infinite Shine offers a highshine finish and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer features a highly pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

Launch date Switzerland: 16th August 2021
24.90 CHF per Infinite Shine (15 ml)
19.90 CHF per Nail Lacquer (15 ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of OPI #OPISwitzerland #OPIDowntownLA

Louis Vuitton introduces the Vendôme Flex collection, three signature staple styles for the men’s wardrobe.

This classic and timeless line includes a Derby shoe, loafer and Chelsea boot, and combines shoemaking expertise with all of today’s needs for comfort and elegance. Each of the three Vendôme Flex styles requires the mastery of expert artisans at the Louis Vuitton shoe workshop in Fiesso d’Artico, Italy. The traditional Goodyear-welted seam has been enhanced with a new flex technique, the result of an extensive reworking of the traditional sole, lining, and upper leather to improve their softness. Special technical materials have also been placed within the insole to provide comfort formerly reserved for sneakers.

Comfort aside, these iconic and timeless shapes exude a modern and relaxed attitude in a contemporary style. The Derby is made from a single piece of waxed calfskin, while the loafer and Chelsea boot feature accents of Louis Vuitton’s emblematic Monogram canvas across the former’s upper, and along the tab of the latter. Crafted in the finest leathers and sublimed by exceptional craftmanship, the three Vendôme Flex styles indulge in a world of supple elegance, breathing independence and freedom with every step.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Greetings from Saint-Tropez! I am so happy to be back in this picturesque town where you can party day and night. This was my outfit that I wore to the birthday luncheon of a dear friend at Gigi Ramatuelle, a new place that I can absolutely recommend. Lovely ambiance, great food, fun music and a fantastic crowd.

My look: La Medusa lace-trimmed printed silk-twill bustier top, La Medusa pleated printed satin midi skirt, Trésor de la Mer silk hat, Trésor de la Mer face mask, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal choker, Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal bracelet, and Trésor de la Mer gold-tone crystal earrings, all by Versace, Jodie mini knotted leather tote by Bottega Veneta, Oyster Perpetual 36 with turquoise dial by Rolex, Whisper metallic leather wedge sandals by Aquazzura, and long gold-tone and shell necklace, by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht (Thank you, Patrick!)
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The ’90s are making a comeback. Like history, fashion has a tendency to repeat itself. From your ‘90s childhood you need to start wearing leggings and oversized denim shirts again. Personally speaking, it feels so bizarre seeing my own daughter sporting all those looks three decades later. However, I have always loved being a ’90s child and am indulging in this revival, mixing new and vintage pieces.

My look: Ribbed-knit crop top, logo-plaque leggings, oversized denim shirt, and white leather loafers, all by Prada, vintage sunglasses (GG 2418) by Gucci, fan leather earrings by Isabel Marant.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rian Davidson 
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 After a fashion show staged as a real fantasy – almost-impossibly presented in the landscape of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites Alps – the F/W 2021 Miu Miu collection designed by Miuccia Prada returns to the context of fashion, itself another fantasy of realities, exploring the power of clothes as a conveyance of character, an expression of strength. 

As this collection champions the notion of bravery and intrepid exploration, the hero of this Miu Miu campaign is the actor Emma Corrin – whose courage in her abandonment, whole-heartedly, to every role, has boldly powered her to international prominence. Acting requires innate courage – emotional bravery, the baring of one’s soul, to bring fantasies to life. 

An actor’s craft is to lend fact to fiction, to embody people other than themselves. Corrin’s career has been marked by the power of her performances – her paradoxical bravery in showing her own vulnerability, the strength of character she can convey. Here, Corrin is captured in a direct and arresting series of studio portraits, her gaze in each an echo of female archetypes – joyful and reflective, serious or seductive – photographed by Steven Meisel with creative direction by M/M Paris. Her personality projects onto every image – staring boldly from the picture plane, framed in a new context. 

Miu Miu celebrates bravery, boldness – it is rooted in and inspired by communities of women, in the power of the collective. Here, Corrin shifts between different identities, different sense of self – playful or powerful, fragile but strong. Accompanying the print campaign, a series of five short films allow Corrin to reinvent herself once more – as different characters, within different personae. Corrin reads aloud a series of anecdotes, recollections, remembrances – recounting memories, true and imaginary, in her own voice and those of others. Again, lines are blurred: is Corrin acting, or actual – are these her words, or a script? 

Throughout, both films and imagery constantly interrogate our ideas and ideals of reality and fantasy, the courage needed to traverse between the two. As Corrin gives her characters strength, Miu Miu clothes its wearers for brave endeavours. 

The first episode of ‘A BRAVE HEART’ films is online at miumiu.com. Watch the trailer HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu CREDITS: Creative Direction: M/M (Paris) – Photographer: Steven Meisel – Videographer: Benn Northover – Styling: Lotta Volkova – Talent: Emma Corrin

Your next dream destination? It might be an intergalactic exploration if your budget allows for a 28$ million trip to space with Jeff Bezos or to accompany Richard Branson on another space test-flight. The global super-rich are taking joyrides in viewing our planet from above.

If you are a fashionista, your space race is on this season. Several designers have tapped into the «Living on Mars» trend, with BALENCIAGA offering the most authentic interpretation. Now you can look like you accompanied Bezos to space without spending millions of dollars, a few thousands are just enough.

The most insane and most expensive piece of the collection is the so-called Space Parka. First spotted in the label’s F/W 2021 video game presentation, this puffy coat takes inspiration from retro NASA spacesuits. It’s made from distressed white shell and has an oversized fit that’s almost gravity-defying. Playful finishing touches include appliqués, buckles and straps.

Interesting to know is that as authentic as some of the collection’s pieces look, they are not launched in collaboration with NASA. You can use the space center’s logo, even free of charge, as long as the design is submitted to the Multimedia Division of NASA’s Office of Communications and the agency approves the specific uses. Ranging from €95 to €3990, the Maison’s NASA capsule that includes also graphic tees, polos, hoodies, socks, and co-branded baseball caps, can be found at select stores or the brand’s website.

Certain pieces are only available for pre-order. If you love the Space Parka as much as I do (it definitely deserves a spot in my museum), you can order it now at NET-A-PORTER. Sorry guys, size FR34 went straight to me :-)…

Space lovers can get the full look with silver Chevalier 110MM Booties, cyberpunk aluminum sunglasses, and logo-bearing handbags.

Who doesn’t want to walk around looking like an astronaut?  And it probably leaves less carbon footprint than the hour-long joyride that will have a staggering impact on the planet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Time is the most valuable asset, which is not the only reason I am investing in watches. I am such a watch aficionado. Even with the rise of iPhones and other digital devices that are better suited to record time, I prefer wearing analogue watches and their sales continue to spike year over year.

Watches were originally seen as a status symbol for men, a way to express their personal style. Now that gender tropes have become passé, women are breaking down the doors of the all-boys club. And I am loving it! When it comes to watches, I like buying across sectors, from diamond-encrusted smaller-case sizes, to mechanical masculine watches. I think of them as investments for every day: wearing beautiful outfits plus the kind of timeless-with-a-twist watch that goes wherever you do.

My newest addition to my watch wardrobe is this beautiful Maillon de Cartier 16mm 18-karat white gold diamond watch that I ordered at Net-à-Porter. Subtly feminine, the beautiful watch bracelet is like a piece of jewelry lending modern edge to just about anything you wear them it. I love to combine it with the Clash de Cartier bracelet MM in white gold which is finally available in size 14. It is all about duality, contradictions, and when it comes to the best timepiece, remember it is always time to invest.

More watches to come soon …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography, © Rian Davidson and © DaydreamStudio
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Fashion can make us dream. Some looks invite us to indulge in a fairytale, among them tulle gowns that are absolutely trending this season. This was the outfit that I wore to the Acqua di Parma event lately.

My look: Embroidered cardigan (Look 46 Pre-collection S/S 2021) and Première Electro watch, both by CHANEL, raspberry ruffled tulle dress by Dior, Marble Silk Constance bag by Hermès, Jenlove 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

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

With several high-end audio products already under its belt, Louis Vuitton now adds a portable speaker to its range of connected products. Seamlessly combining tradition and innovation, the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker is an example of unique design and genuine craftsmanship.

Through superior sound quality and cutting-edge technology, it really comes into its own through the Maison’s unconventional approach to creating beauty in an everyday object. Not only does the speaker provide the ultimate audio-visual experience, it also represents the House’s skill in turning a utilitarian item into a work of art. With creativity running through every strand of Louis Vuitton, the Horizon Light Up speaker is no exception. Challenging perceptions of how objects should look and feel, as well as what is possible in terms of design, the speaker takes on a form that is unique in the audio market with inspiration coming from the Toupie (‘Spinning Top’) handbag, designed by the brand’s Artistic Director of Women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière. Just as the Toupie rewrote the rule book for evening bags, the Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker aims to reinvent the world of portable speakers.

Bound in noble leather and with metal components, the speaker boasts the House’s emblematic signatures. Only when the device is switched on does its purpose become obvious in an explosion of sound, light and movement. As the covered woofer vibrates like a heartbeat, a dynamic light show synchronises to the beat with a colourful digital interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram flower. A top ring with LED backlighting provides three different animations in seven carefully selected, graduated colourways. A concave, steel middle band features the cut-out letters ‘L-O-U-I-S-V-U-I-T-T-O-N’ that glow in colours to match the dancing top ring.

Elegant and discreet, the speaker can be used inside and out, and is equally at home in the living room, office or garden, on a country retreat, a city break, or at a beach club party. The unconventional shape offers myriad acoustic benefits. When sitting on its dock, the sound is played at 360 degrees, but by placing the speaker on its side, music can be sent in a specific direction. At the top of the speaker, a leather strap is attached, a unique element that is as fashionable as it is freeing. Beautiful and compact enough to be carried as an accessory, either with or without its protective pouch, the speaker is truly portable, a perfect representation of Louis Vuitton’s Spirit of Travel.

The Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker weighs approximately 1kg and measures a mere 18cm in diameter – a remarkable feat of engineering that involved housing the highest quality acoustic components in a diminutive and complex case to deliver a unique audio experience.

With all the convenience of wireless connectivity through Bluetooth®, the speaker is also compatible with Apple AirPlay® 2, and Qplay via Wi-Fi. It can be charged via USB-C (through the speaker or dock), with a full charge providing up to 15 hours of playtime. Depending on the occasion, it can also be paired or grouped in larger numbers to accommodate bigger spaces and multiple rooms.

A dedicated Louis Vuitton Connect app controls all of the speaker’s functions including colour combinations, animation sequences and mono or multiroom set-up to be operated via a smartphone.

Living up to all of the House’s promises, the beautiful, practical and covetable Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up speaker will be a welcome addition to any lifestyle occasion. Fated to be a future icon, it is sure to become the ultimate accessory for those who appreciate high-quality acoustics and ultimate craftsmanship, as well as for the contemporary traveller.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. AirPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.