Sandra‘s Closet

As a result of their new collaboration, Hublot and Takashi Murakami present thirteen new NFTs and thirteen unique timepieces featuring the iconic smiling flower that is central to the Japanese artist’s work. It is a continuation of past projects, by rewarding the first buyers of the watches and collectors of the first NFTs through an exclusive approach.

«When my collaboration with Hublot was announced, we made it known that we would be adopting new forms of artistic expression. After creating all the timepieces together, as well as the digital works of art, we are now imagining new ways of accessing contemporary art.»
TAKASHI MURAKAMI

The thirteen unique NFTs are inspired by Japanese video games & TV from the 1970s as well as the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black, the first collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and Takashi Murakami launched in January 2021. These NFTs are linked to a limited edition of 13 new and unique Classic Fusion watches that will be at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. Twelve of these watches will be available for purchase exclusively online on hublot.com, which can only be accessed by owners of at least one of the 324 NFTs issued in April 2022 as part of the third collaboration between Hublot and Takashi Murakami.

These 324 NFTs were originally offered to owners of one of the two Hublot x Takashi Murakami watch models (Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black & Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow), before they were allowed to be exchanged on the decentralized NFT trading platform, OpenSea. The period between the announcement of the project in New York in February 2023 and the start of sales in early April 2023 in Geneva will allow any collector interested in one of the new watches to collect one of the NFTs available on OpenSea. Each buyer lucky enough to purchase one of the 12 new unique watches will receive a corresponding exclusive NFT.

Hublot and Takashi Murakami take the watch as a work of art to a new level, by bridging the art of fine watchmaking with digital art. The 13th watch of the collection is the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow and it is also the masterpiece. Taking inspiration from the two previously launched pieces, this watch reinterprets the iconic emblem of Takashi Murakami: the smiling flower. Here, the 12 petals of the flower form a perfect gradient of rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites and topaz. Thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system developed by Hublot’s engineers, the petals create a dizzying spectacle of colour as they spin on an axis with each movement. The kinetic effect of the petals creates a striking effect against the 45mm black ceramic case. The center of the smiling flower is placed on top of the sapphire glass to create a three-dimensional effect.

The twelve other references, which will be available for purchase by holders of the NFTs on the dedicated ecommerce platform, recall the master flower and represent one of the petals. Twelve references for twelve hours on the dial, and twelve NFTs.

The heart of the watch beats with the manufacture Unico calibre set in the emblematic Classic Fusion design, a unique movement that offers a 72-hour power reserve. As the third watch collaboration between Hublot and the Japanese artist, this launch is proof of the incredible collectability of this partnership.

As the second step, collectors will then have a period of one year during which they will have the opportunity to trade the twelve NFTs on the OpenSea platform. In April 2024, at the end of this period, only the collector who has managed to collect all 12 of the new unique NFTs will be eligible to purchase the thirteenth and most sought-after watch: the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow. In the event that no single person has managed to gather all twelve NFTs, the watch will be auctioned by Hublot to raise funds for charity.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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Grey, midnight blue, amber, red, pink, green… Colour is central to the DNA of the House of Dior. Among the different olfactory universes, La Collection Privée is the one that regularly includes nods to Monsieur Dior’s passion for colour.

To mark the event, Galeries Lafayette has partnered with the House of Dior to create a spectacular display in the store’s legendary windows. Seven iconic fragrances from La Collection Privée are featured in the windows along Boulevard Haussmann, with each sleek-yet-colourful scene reflecting the chromatic identity of each scent. Because every fragrance in this luxurious collection evokes not only a specific colour but also a particular narrative and its own distinctive atmosphere.

The display stretches across eight windows in total, retracing the history of iconic fragrances from La Collection Privée – Gris Dior, Ambre Nuit, Oud Ispahan, Lucky, Rouge Trafalgar, Bois d’Argent and Sakura – and showcasing the façade of 30 Montaigne, the House of Dior’s historic headquarters.

This unique and eye-catching presentation draws people in and guides them towards the store’s Mogador entrance, where the installation reaches its climax – an all‐new immersive olfactory experience dedicated to the iconic perfume Gris Dior.

You can discover the windows and an exclusive pop-up located at the main entrance of the Paris Haussmann store until February 19, 2023.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Dior
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Hortus Deliciarum — meaning «Garden of Delights» in Latin — blends Gucci’s rich heritage in Italian craftsmanship and its ever-distinctive creativity in one-of-a-kind masterpieces distinguished by unique artistry, exceptional quality, and acute attention to detail. The current chapter, the third since the collection’s launch in 2019, draws inspiration from the world of travel and the memorable moments that every journey can bring.

The new additions to the Hortus Deliciarum collection include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and multi-finger rings, divided into different themes. The designs explore tantalizing facets of the natural and animal kingdom, placing jewelry artistry center stage. These pieces evoke distant, exotic, and magical worlds, exciting the imagination of Gucci’s signature painterly approach to high jewelry craftsmanship. A selection of pieces features fresh interpretations of Gucci’s distinctive Lion Head and Tiger Head motifs, symbolizing strength, courage, and passion. Flawless, fancy cut vivid gemstones, from aquamarines to yellow sapphires, add vibrant touches to these dynamic designs.

The collection includes several new creations showcasing a captivating combination of multicolored stones that are inspired by the concept of prismatic beauty and specifically designed to catch the light. These include a brilliant multi-finger ring – the result of 100 hours of meticulous production – crafted in yellow gold with a beautiful 38.8 carat green tourmaline centerpiece surrounded by diamonds. An equally stunning yellow gold cuff earring offers an elegant explosion of garnets, yellow beryl, rubellite, and diamonds. Here, Gucci blends the modernity of a cuff style with the exquisite beauty of warm-toned gems and dainty, flowing lines.

Other stunning pieces are distinguished by cascades of dancing diamonds, inspired by the beauty of shooting stars and the sparkling torrents of a waterfall. A highlight of this selection is a parure comprising a dazzling white gold necklace and matching drop earrings. Involving 300 hours of production, the necklace features diamond-embellished starbursts trimmed with lady-like diamond bows, while the earrings reveal diamond- encrusted bows and chandelier-like crystal droplets around two teardrop cut diamonds with a total of 16.7 carats.

A yellow gold bracelet, meanwhile, showcases a diamond-embellished chevron pattern and an oval-shaped 16 carat rubellite tourmaline, offering a striking geometric interplay of straight lines and smooth curves. This exceptional creation takes 200 hours to produce.

Intricately crafted and full of surprising details, an ornate diamond parure pays homage to the majestic beauty of natural landscapes. A diamond-encrusted geometric chain necklace is teamed with a stunning round-cut mandarin garnet pendant embellished with dainty emerald leaves. This can be teamed with a matching pair of jacket earrings, also in fresh and surprising shades of green and mandarin, offering a dazzling 40.5 carats of jewels for the necklace and 15.3 carats for the earrings.

To complete the collection, new diamond-embellished solitaire rings shine in an array of hues that resemble the changing colors of the sky. A sculpted, white gold design mesmerizes with a hexagonal 14.7 carat tanzanite centerpiece, while three other white gold rings each present a heart-shaped gemstone in a vivid color: a 9 carat blue tourmaline, a 12.6 carat peach tourmaline, or an 11.5 carat pink tourmaline.

The Hortus Deliciarum High Jewelry collection, launched in Paris in 2019, was followed by a second chapter presented on Italy’s Lake Maggiore in 2021 while the third and current collection was initially unveiled in Rome in 2022.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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Turquoise watch dials have been all the rage lately. Audemars Piguet is jumping on the trend and is unveiling for the first time a new version of its 37 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model, entirely crafted in 18-carat yellow gold and illuminated by a natural turquoise dial.

Cut to form a slender disc, the turquoise has then been ground, sandblasted and polished before being integrated into a gilded brass outer casing. The overall thickness is just 0.75 mm. Each dial is one of a kind because every stone has its own natural composition, texture and colour, thus reacting differently to different machining operations or finishes. Originating from Mexico, the turquoise carefully selected to adorn this new model features a discreet pattern in a darker hue, making the appearance of each dial unique. Already used by the Egyptian and Chinese civilisations more than 3,000 years ago, turquoise is among the world’s oldest stones. This combination of historical heritage and vibrant colour makes it one of the jewellery industry’s most precious and sought-after gems. It is also reputed to have many spiritual benefits while bringing health, good luck and protection.

This is the first 37 mm Royal Oak variation in yellow gold since 2018. The case, bezel and integrated bracelet feature the Manufacture’s trademark touch in terms of hand-finishing with alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces performed by the artisans in Le Brassus. Framed by this yellow gold case, the natural turquoise dial brings ocean-like intensity. Its blue shade strikes a contrast with the yellow gold hands and hour-markers featuring a luminescent coating enabling optimal readability in the dark. The turquoise is embellished by the polished yellow gold applique bearing the «Audemars Piguet» signature, which has been affixed to the dial with tiny feet specially designed to fit the thickness of the stone. The date window in the same colour as the stone ensures pleasing aesthetic harmony.

This new reference also showcases the design evolution that marked the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary by reinforcing its ergonomics as well as its visual impact. The corresponding developments visible on this 37 mm model include larger chamfers, trapeze-shaped first links on the tapering bracelet showing a pronounced decrease in thickness, along with a sapphire caseback slightly more integrated into the case middle.

This Royal Oak model is equipped with the latest selfwinding hour, minute, seconds and date movement from the Manufacture, Calibre 5900, which first appeared in 2022 on certain 37 mm references. This movement combines a slim 3.9 mm thickness, a high 4Hz frequency and a 60-hour power reserve. The mechanism is visible through the sapphire caseback revealing the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight along with the refined decorations adorning the components, such as the polished angles, vertical satin brushing, Côtes de Genève, circular graining and chamfering.

While mineral or precious stone dials emerged on pocket watches in the late 19th century, it was not until the 20th century emergence of smaller-diameter wristwatches that the use of these fragile dials became more common. Stone dials flourished at Audemars Piguet between the late 1960s and the 1990s, at a time characterised by a revival of creativity in wristwatch design. The timepieces were thus adorned with a multitude of colours thanks to tiger’s eye, lapis lazuli, aventurine, garnet, mother-of-pearl, opal, ruby, amethyst and jasper.
The new 37 mm Royal Oak Selfwinding model extends this creative heritage by combining the natural brilliance of turquoise with a case entirely crafted in yellow gold, giving life to a timepiece with a resolutely sunny personality and positive vibes. Available for CHF 55.000.

I am absolutely in love with this model.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Audemars Piguet 2023
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I am such a zodiac lover. Therefore Zimmermann‘s F/W 2022 collection, called Stargazer, caught my eyes immediately. Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann created the most beautiful collection moulded around the mysticism of the zodiac. It is a fairytale decadence dedicated to our unique place in the universe; it is for a decadent heroine who’s meandering a maze of fantasy both light and dark. I loved the print and the orange hues dedicated to the sign of the aries. As I gave birth to one, I couldn’t resist to get this look.

My look: Kaleidoscope Aries cotton-blend shirt dress, and Kaleidoscope Aries printed leggings, both by Zimmermann, Aevitas Pointy satin platform pumps by Versace, Cleo crystal-embellished shoulder bag by Prada, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery, 1994 faux-pearl dangle CC clip-on earrings, and pearl necklace, both by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography  – The photos were taken at Gstaad Palace.
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For the first time, Louis Vuitton will debut a collection dedicated to newborns. Soft and enveloping, elegant yet playful, this timeless offering will accompany babies through their earliest days.

Comprised of clothing, shoes, accessories and objects, the collection brings together several Louis Vuitton métiers with exceptional quality, sweetness and joy. Maison signatures are transcribed whimsically, at once familiar and fresh. The primary motif, Meli-Melo, rearranges the Monogram with a touch of insouciance. Louis Vuitton’s iconic flowers appear as perforations on leather shoes, as a 3D knit in the finest cashmere, and as a discreet label affixed to many of the pieces. With the addition of luxurious coverings, emblematic items in silver, small travel cases and even a Louis teddy bear, Louis Vuitton has imagined a beautiful world where every piece will play a part in the baby’s life. Embodying over 160 years of tradition, a specially designed wardrobe trunk signifies the ultimate lifetime gift.

The idea for a baby collection was birthed from various elements of Louis Vuitton’s history, contemporary spirit, and visual identity. Gaston Louis Vuitton introduced toys to the Maison’s universe with a Salon de Jouets inside Champs-Elysées store in the 1930s. More recently, the wonderment and limitless discovery that begins in childhood guided the Louis Vuitton Core Values campaign. This baby offering strengthens the Maison’s emotional connection, as symbolic moments become precious memories.

The collection represents a thoughtful range of everyday pieces and special occasion styles, of first toys that can become life-long keepsakes. Anchored by milky white, sandy dune and tonal greys, motifs in pastel hues are enlivened with a bold splash of yellow.

Clothing, sized up to 12 months, includes onesies, coordinating ensembles, essential bodies, pyjamas, a dress, and a double-faced hooded coat that boasts Monogram flowers on the pockets and the Meli-Melo motif inside. In these complete outfits, babies will be effortlessly enveloped and adorably chic. Details are delicately and meticulously considered, whether mother-of-pearl buttons on cotton cashmere cardigans, small embroideries on bloomers and bodies, or the subtle appearance of the Monogram as a jacquard and printed on grosgrain.

Two shoe styles embellished with Monogram perforations bring extra cuteness to each look: Mary Janes or Babies in white and pink, and booties in white or dune with yellow laces. Knitted slippers and flower beanies will keep little feet and ears extra cosy. Bibs, socks and other small accessories – all given discreet Louis Vuitton signatures – are proposed as perfect gift sets.

Babies can indulge in the warmth of textile accessories such as a plush sleeper in natural silk with embroidered flowers, a knitted Monogram blanket, and a thicker, double-sided Meli-Melo blanket that can be laid out as a colourful mat. Two cases – a small suitcase and a toiletry pouch – rework the traditional toile as tonal jacquard with leather accents and yellow piping. Engraved with different Maison motifs, a silver tumbler, a souvenirs case, and a rounded rattle combine refinement and functionality. The Louis teddy bear covered in jacquard with Monogram flower eyes and an affectionate smile will become a beloved friend.

Comforting in feel and meant to last, materials have been discerningly selected in line with Louis Vuitton’s commitment to responsible sourcing. Environmental standards include organic cotton and LWG-certified leather. Cashmere and sheep’s wool originate from partners that guarantee animal welfare.

With enduring creation at the heart of the Louis Vuitton, pieces can be passed down and treasured, thus perpetuating the generous and joyous intention of the collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Prada announces the ninth installment of their Timecapsule NFT Collection. The drop on February 2nd continues to expand Prada’s reach to the Web3 community, allowing for unique experiences for NFT holders.

The latest NFT drop is #38 in the Timecapsule collection. This is the second, in a three-part series of shirts featuring special prints by Italian photographer Enzo Ragazzini from his archive from the 70s’.

Titled INTERFERENZA OTTICA ART PRINT BY ENZO RAGAZZINI 1975, the February shirt will feature a design made in 1975 from Enzo Ragazzini with the optical interference technique, using mechanical devices of his own invention (the «rotating plane» for the circular patterns and the «rotating drum» for horizontal patterns). This work was then digitized in 2017.

The shirt is in popeline, featuring the Prada enameled triangle logo with «FEBRUARY» transferred on the back of the shirt. Each shirt comes accompanied by its own gifted NFT, which serves as an invitation to join Prada’s exclusive Crypted NFT community.

As an extension to this month’s announcement, Prada is extending their Web3 community to those who have purchased a Prada Timecapsule before the NFT initiative launched back in June 2022. First launched in December 2019, these Timecapsule collection holders can now claim their own Timecapsule NFT, in sync with their existing physical product. More details will be shared on the Prada Crypted Community on Discord.

Prada continues to give behind-the-scenes opportunities as they offer «Prada Crypted» Discord community members access to unique events and experiences. For last month’s drop, one Prada Timecapsule NFT Holder and guest were hosted in Milan for a Prada exclusive experience which included an invitation to the Prada Menswear Fall/Winter 2023 fashion show. Once again, Prada is offering one NFT holder the chance to enjoy an unparalleled experience for its upcoming Prada Womenswear F/W 2023 fashion show on February 23rd.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Prada
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«Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.» – Mark Twain

January is my birthday month and I love having my big day. My friends keep wondering why I don’t fear turning one year older. Personally speaking, aging is a gift not everyone gets to receive in life. Happiness is a mental and emotional state of being; it comes as a result of the choices we make. It’s all about attitude, perspective, and what we make age mean to us. We all are what we believe. If nobody sees how old you really are, how can you be afraid of aging?!

Time is the most precious asset we’ve got. It means life, and it’s never coming back. So use it wisely. Invest in yourself, in your wellbeing, treat your body as your precious vehicle that gets your everywhere you want to go. I have always invested in me-time and taken care of my skin. My skincare routine is precious to me.

My favorite product line is with no doubt GENAISSANCE DE LA MER™. This ultimate time-transcending collection accelerates skin’s renewal and means total transformation. It is exceptionally crafted with the potent Crystal Miracle Broth™, which is the purest expression of LA MER’s legendary Miracle Broth™ elixir. It infuses your skin with the healing energies of the sea, transporting it to a more ageless dimension. For me, it is an elevated ageless ritual that turns back time all day long and deeply into the night.

The Infused Lotion
The velvety primer softens, nourishes, and begins the power of Genaissance de la Mer™.

The Serum Essence
This silken serum measurably reduces the look of lines and wrinkles and boots skin’s elasticity.

The Eye & Expression Cream
The ultra-sumptuous cream visibly fades fine lines and dark circles with plumping, healing hydration.

The Concentrated Night Balm
This ampoule-strength treatment gives skin a firmer feel and helps visibly reverse lines and wrinkles while you sleep.

The Concentrated Night Balm is such a game changer for the skincare routine. Each evening before sleep, I apply it with the moon-shaped applicator to scoop a small amount and apply the product to the face and neck, gently smoothing into the skin. My morning and evening routines are always followed by the application of my favorite moisturizer, the iconic The Moisturizing Cream. Don’t forget to warm up the product between your fingertips before applying it.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GENAISSANCE DE LA MER™, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

«Growing older is inescapable; aging is optional.»

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise! ©lamer #GenaissancedelaMer #LoveLaMer #CrystalMiracleBroth

I like to spend the whole month of January at my happy place, the Gstaad Palace. The hotel’s spa is one of my favorite parts of the hotel with its cozy fireplace, gym, heated outdoor pool and the best spa treatments. Here we photographed this fun look featuring the new Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama collection.

I chose a bag from the «Painted Dots» as I adore its artisanal approach. Louis Vuitton’s craftspeople developed a special technique to make some of the 3D paint daubs look «wet,» as if they’d just been painted by Kusama’s hand.

My look: Double-breasted cloth jacket with feather detail by Prada, pussy-bow cotton-poplin shirt by Valentino, layered stretch jersey-trimmed low-rise straight-leg jeans by Alexander Wang, Kate 100 black suede pumps by Christian Louboutin, silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, Painted Dots Monogram scarf, and Painted Dots Monogram Onthego PM, both Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama.

Stay tuned as my birthday is coming up and I will explain to you why I am not afraid of turning one year older…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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Kering and Gucci announced that Sabato De Sarno will assume the role of Creative Director for the House. De Sarno will present his debut runway collection at Milan Women’s Fashion Week in September 2023.

In his new role, De Sarno will lead the House’s Design Studio reporting to Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, with the responsibility for defining and expressing the House’s creative vision across the women’s, men’s, leather goods, accessories and lifestyle collections.

Past & Future: GUCCI Cruise 2023 Ad Campaign shot by Mert and Marcus

Sabato De Sarno was raised in Naples, Italy. He began his career at Prada in 2005, moving to Dolce & Gabbana, before joining Valentino in 2009, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, finally being appointed Fashion Director overseeing both men’s and women’s collections. Sabato De Sarno will start in his new position as soon as he will have completed all his obligations in his current role.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci / © Riccardo Raspa / © Mert and Marcus
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