Sandra‘s Closet

Prada announces the June 2023 installment of its Timecapsule NFT Collection. Featuring a floral pattern, the drop on June 1st is a celebration of the upcoming summer period.

For drop #42 of the Timecapsule collection, Prada designed a tank top in floral-patterned jacquard terry cloth, an upcycled fabric from the Prada Archive. It features the iconic Prada enameled triangle logo on the front and the month June on the back. Each shirt comes accompanied with its own gifted NFT, serving as an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community on Discord.

In May 2022, Prada pushed further from the physical world into Web3 by creating its very own community which is inclusive and open to all. Members of the Prada Crypted Discord community have direct access to information on future Prada projects and NFT drops. It is a place to exchange ideas and inspire one another while connecting the universe of fashion with the worlds of art, architecture, cinema, music, Web3 and more.

Purchasers of Prada Timecapsule items prior to the launch of the NFT initiative in June 2022 can retroactively claim past Timecapsule NFTs in sync with their existing physical product. More details can be found on the Prada Crypted Community on Discord.

The thirteenth Timecapsule Collection paired with a corresponding gifted NFT drop is limited to 50 items, for 24 hours only, starting from June 1st, 2023 at 3pm CET.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Prada
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Finally, spring is here and we get to enjoy warmer temperatures. With sunshine everything looks more beautiful, your skin is more radiant, and even the accessories sparkle more. I am wishing you a long sunny weekend ahead!

My look: Layered stretch-jersey and cotton-poplin shirt, duchesse-satin midi skirt, V-Uno V-Logo oversized square acetate sunglasses, and transparent pumps Tan-Go, all by Valentino, 1994 faux-pearl dangle CC clip-on earrings, 2014 Dallas-Paris Métiers d’Art ring, and 2023 medium classic flap bag in metallic iridescent gold calfskin leather with antique gold hardware, all by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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This week, Donatella Versace presented her butterfly-filled Pre-Fall 2023 collection in Cannes, a collaboration with the pop star Dua Lipa titled «La Vacanza.» First used in Gianni Versace’s S/S 1995 runway collection, the butterfly is a motif which the pop star has worn throughout the years; it also seems to hold a special significance.

Must-have of the collection: Butterfly printed silk-twill shirt

«I love the summer and for me this collection celebrates the very best of that time of year. This is the perfect summer collection—from lying by the pool in a fun printed bikini, to dressing-up to dance on hot summer evenings in the perfect evening dress—these clothes immediately make me think of my holidays and being in the sun. Dua loves Fashion, I love Music—we are the perfect duo! We felt like we were on vacation and that is exactly the spirit we want people to feel when they wear our clothes.» –Donatella Versace

It is Versace’s first see-now-buy-now fashion show on the French Riviera. The fashion show reflects an intimate Salon-style collection presentation, with Iván De Pineda as host to guests sat in the gardens of a French Riviera villa.

The collection is Donatella and Dua’s shared vision of an absolute modern elegance for «La Vacanza,» the Italian for «vacation,» and encompasses the full Versace lifestyle; from perfectly cut tailoring and evening gowns, to bikini and terry cotton beachwear. It is also typical Barbiecore. Think pink power suits, the Barbie bouffant hairdos, and the shiny metallic leathers and crystal embellishments.

La Vacanza is what your summer dreams are made of and you can shop it now HERE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace
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The Lion Astroclock is an exceptional creation inspired by Gabrielle Chanel‘s star sign, Leo. The glass globe encloses a movement with sophisticated finishes, a comet in 18K white gold and a constellation-shaped hand set with diamonds. The plinth contains a black faceted lion, symbol of power and strength. A remarkable clock encompassing the symbols of the House of CHANEL, in a limited edition of 5.

DESCRIPTION
Black polished rotating sphere with hour indices.
Comet-shaped hour hand in 18K white gold set with 11 diamonds (~0.70 carat)
Leo constellation-shaped minute hand set with 9 diamonds (~1.60 carat)
Rock crystal briolette
Black-coated brass sculpted lion and structure.
Manual winding mechanical movement designed by the CHANEL Watchmaking Creation Studio, developed and manufactured by l’Epée
Glass sphere
Functions: hours, minutes
Dimensions: 34.2 x 20.6 x 17.6 cm
Diamonds: 20 brilliant-cut diamonds (~2.30 carats)
Numbered and limited to 5 pieces

An exceptional creation, inspired by the world of science fiction, space and time travel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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In dedication to the world-famous Belgian-American fashion designer, The Diane von Furstenberg Suite has been unveiled at Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte hotel located in the heart of Brussels.

Adorned with DVF’s signature touches, a bold zebra rug, two large silk scarves by Andy Warhol, and a collection of striking artwork that celebrates her legacy with her world famous style and influence.

The iconic wrap dress that made von Furstenberg famous, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in honour of this milestone, the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum is dedicating its new exhibition: Diane von Furstenberg, Woman before Fashion.

In celebration of the exhibition, Hotel Amigo has created a special offer for guests to Step into the World of Diane von Furstenberg from now through January 7, 2024 by staying in the DVF suite. Starting rate from € 2,640.

On arrival, delight in a box of Laurent Gerbaud chocolates as you explore the stylish suite. Venture out to the exhibition, Woman before Fashion, and immerse yourself in the timelessness of her designs. After delving into her illustrious career at the museum, return to your suite for a night of relaxation amid the unique DVF ambience.

Begin the following day with a complimentary breakfast, then enjoy a private visit to the DVF boutique. Experience first-hand the intertwining worlds of art, philanthropy and fashion that have shaped Diane von Furstenberg’s remarkable legacy.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Rocco Forte Hotels
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For the first time in Europe, a fashion museum is dedicating an exhibition to Diane von Furstenberg. The exhibition at the Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum, through a selection of more than 50 models and a vast iconography, presents the career, creations and personality of this extraordinary woman until January 7, 2024. Learn about the diversity and timelessness of the prints that have contributed to her fame, the freedom that inspires her work and her daily life, and the role played by art in her creations with works by friends such as Andy Warhol, Konstantin Kakanias and François-Marie Banier.

For this occasion and for the first time, the designer has opened the doors of her archives. Nicolas Lor, the curator, tells us about the nuggets unearthed in these vast textile, graphic and photographic collections and about the conception of the project. He also tells us about the many interviews conducted with Diane von Furstenberg. These rich interviews provide an original insight into the work of the designer and her famous wrap dress, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Brussels City
Phone Numbers: +32 2 213 44 50 and +32 2 279 43 67
Email: musea@​brucity.​be
www.fashionandlacemuseum.brussels

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of DVF and Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum
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My stay in Athens with THEMIS Z started already with a brilliant night at THE ISLAND, a landmark for more than thirty years when it comes to partying at the Athens Riviera. The dinner took place at the Gallery, one of the Island Art and Taste‘s private event spaces.

Friend of the designer, American actress Kelly Rutherford, who had flown in from L.A. for the event.

Offering the pleasures and privileges of a luxurious private estate on the coast, Themis hosted us in style with the most beautiful table setting.

Entering through exceptionally pretty bougainvillea-framed gates, the space with its extensive gardens is styled in the tradition of a classic Greek island house. The stone terrace, served by an open kitchen, leads to lawns framed by fragrant eucalyptus and chic box hedges planted with rosemary, lavender and aromatic flora.

The garden is cascading down to a picturesque chapel overlooking rocky coves so these landmark moments can be accompanied by the sound of waves on the shore below.

We indulges the the most amazing traditional Greek food, while being entertained by a local guitar player. I enjoyed spending time with old friends while making new ones.

With our lovely host Themis Zouganeli in one of her beautiful designs.

More to come… TO SHOP THEMIS Z, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Next level of style: Ester is matching her outfit to the tableware.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Vault, Gucci’s experimental concept store, announces the arrival of its high summer collection. For the latest seasonal chapter in Vault’s tale, the warm sun, clear blue skies, and tranquil waters are subverted to become the canvas to picture eclectic summer stories through the depths of imagination.

Eight brands from around the globe have contributed to the selection that encompasses ready-to-wear, jewelry, shoes, and accessories for women and men curated for everything from carefree seaside getaways and outdoor adventures to the season’s most anticipated formal celebrations and rituals.

Vault Summer presents an array of styles and aesthetics by young brands as well as by fabled houses possessing decades of history.

Agua by Agua Bendita offers women’s beachwear and dresses hand-embroidered by Colombian artisans with native plants of Italy and the brand’s home country.

Emerging New York designer Connor McKnight puts forth a range of ready-to-wear for men inspired by vintage outdoor attire.

Parisian menswear brand Husbands delivers a complete selection of sartorial essentials marked by timeless formal tailoring.

A collection of minaudière clutch bags by Judith Leiber Couture includes playful reproductions of the brand’s highly collectible archival designs, showcased in museums such as London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, among others.

Maison Michel proposes a selection of expertly crafted hats — both timeless and playful — for women and men.

Prounis Jewelry presents precious and semi-precious pieces crafted from 22-karat gold and responsibly sourced South Sea pearls, tourmaline, emeralds, and other gemstones.

Rowing Blazers introduces an array of signature rugby shirts alongside casual and elevated styles for men.

Joining the Vault line-up for the second consecutive season, Vans continues to surprise with its iconic silhouettes imagined in vibrant new colors and prints.

Transposing the hazy spirit of the collection, a campaign by Max Siedentopf blends references and clichés in a playful twist where Hollywood Glamour, slackers and tongue-in-cheek humor find common ground. With an emblematic blend of elegant formality and chic insouciance, an exuberant cast of characters embraces the laidback grandeur of a lakeside getaway in scenarios that ultimately showcase the dreamy reality of Summer.

Created exclusively for Vault, the limited-edition Vault Summer capsule collections will be available only online on gucci.com from May 22, 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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Hello from Greece! I arrived in Athens for a very special celebration. My friend Themis Zouganeli is opening her new THEMIS Z flagship store in the Greek capital. Fond memories of her childhood in Athens and summers spent in Mykonos inspire her eponymous label.

Themis with me last January at The Gstaad Palace.

Each piece is conceived to reflect the relaxed yet sophisticated nature of Greek culture and handmade by artisans from the finest materials, which are sourced locally and under responsible conditions. Contemporary separates are showcased with clean lines and printed with geometric motifs and symmetrical patterns reminiscent of antique tile designs, translating the beauty of traditional Grecian dress into the everyday.

Don’t miss out on her tableware collection. Her unique creativity lies in the simple, clean lines she applies to her designs and patterns. It makes you feel like being on vacation at your own home.

At the Blue Palace, Resort and Spa at Elounda in Crete where I went last August, you can find a bespoke fine porcelain tableware adorned with individual hand-painted motifs reminiscent ent of the crystal hues of the Aegean Sea and inspired by the name of the hotel itself.

I am really looking forward to spending the next two days in Athens.

TO SHOP THEMIS Z, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Themis Z
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Last month, I took the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Vienna as guest of Louis Vuitton. Once I arrived in the Austrian capital, I visited the new Maison’s new store that has relocated to an expanded space on Graben in the heart of the city. Occupying four floors of a historic building, this new store presents the Louis Vuitton universe within a beautiful Viennese backdrop.

The store is the latest realisation of the design concept developed by Peter Marino for locations such as New Bond Street, Los Angeles and Ginza. Among the largest in Europe, it benefits from Vienna’s status as a dynamic cultural destination and a nexus for travel.

Designed by Max Kröpf, Oskar Laske and Viktor Fiala, the building dates to 1898-99. Its listed façade is ornamented with reliefs depicting long-distance trade and coats of arms from such cities as Hamburg, Trieste and London.

A spacious layout showcases the full Louis Vuitton offer and Peter Marino signatures, including striking art, objects and furniture that correspond with the design heritage of Vienna. Defined by curving walls and open sightlines, the store is organised around an exceptional staircase that unfurls with floating steps in four tonal varieties of stone. At once sculptural and a means of circulation, it is juxtaposed with a statement wall, panelled in commissioned works by well-known Austrian artist, Erwin Wurm. Bright and graphic, the eight paintings are composed of abstracted words: Form, Love, Body, Beauty and more.

As the history of Vienna is inextricably linked to its progressive movements in art and design, both figure significantly in the store’s expression. Notably, a pyramid of trunks has been hand-painted in the spirit of Gustav Klimt and other artists of the Vienna Secession. Vintage extends to contemporary – from an Alvar Aalto daybed and a Carl Malmsten modular sofa to Matt Gagnon’s Custom Light Stacks and Fernando Daza’s Four Intercepted Circles. With its flower-shaped bubbles, Atelier Biagetti’s Flower Tower lamp stands as a glass totem at once decorative and whimsical.

If you are in Vienna, this new store is a must-see, not only for the things to shop, but for its design!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / © Louis Vuitton 
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