Sandra‘s Closet

This Friday is my birthday and while I’m absolutely not asking for anything, I may have already found my dream gift.

The new bags from the CHANEL S/S 2026 Pre-Collection have completely taken over my feed. And honestly? I haven’t been the biggest fan of Matthieu Blazy’s work so far but this bag below in dark navy slowly grew on me… and now I’m fully obsessed.

The standout piece is officially called the Small Flap Bag (CHF 4190), though social media has already renamed it the «26 Bag» or «Preppy Coco.» Crafted from glossy, grained calfskin and free of the classic quilting, it feels incredibly modern, clean, and quietly confident. It comes in two sizes and is meant to be worn with longer leather straps, casually over the shoulder or tucked under the arm.

Blazy also plays with the same design language in other shapes including the so-called Small Bowling Bag (CHF 4190). It’s a sleek, cylindrical everyday bag and comes in beige, white, black, burgundy, light green, and soft pink. There’s also the Long Vanity with Leather Strap (CHF 3070), a minimalist zip-around style available in black and light pink.

But the color that truly won me over? Dark, dark navy. A beautiful deep-blue bag is surprisingly hard to find, not black, not bright blue, but that perfect in-between. In this shade, the 26 Bag feels timeless, elegant, and endlessly wearable.

So yes… I’ve officially changed my mind. Just putting that out there – purely as information, of course 🖤…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © CHANEL
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Created in 1896 by Georges Vuitton as a tribute to his father, Louis – visionary founder of the House – the Monogram canvas has become one of the most enduring and revered emblems. More than a motif, it is a universal mark of distinction: a living symbol of heritage, culture and innovation. Today, Louis Vuitton is proud to celebrate 130 years of the creation of the emblematic canvas with collections and dedicated windows. Starting January 2026 with the honouring of its Monogram iconic bags as true heritage masterpieces of the House, and the unveiling of new, special-edition Monogram bag collections.

The campaign, launched on January 1st, celebrates the iconic Keepall, Alma, Speedy, Noé and Neverfull in Monogram – timeless bags designed to last and be cherished across generations. Additionally, the taglines reintroduce each icon and pass down the campaign’s core values of transmission and durability, reflecting the careful savoir-faire and longevity embedded in each bag.

From its inception, the Monogram was conceived as a pioneering idea – a fusion of artistry and identity. Georges Vuitton personally designed the pattern, registering a patent for an intricate composition of interlaced LV initials and floral motif. Inspired by Neo-Gothic ornamentation and the influence of Japonism, the Monogram was created to safeguard the authenticity of the House’s creations, following the striped canvas of 1872 and the Damier of 1888. The design soon became something greater: a defining signature and enduring hallmark of Louis Vuitton’s spirit. Georges envisioned an emblem not merely to adorn objects but to embody a philosophy of excellence, modernity, and transmission.

Throughout its history, the Monogram has united generations of creators, collectors, and cultural icons. It has guided the hands of the House’s master artisans, shaped the vision of its creative directors – Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director of Women’s collections since 2013 – Pharrell Williams, Men’s Creative Director since 2022 – Marc Jacobs, Artistic Director of Women’s and Men’s collections from 1997 until 2013 and Virgil Abloh, Artistic Director of Men’s Collections from 2018 until 2021 – and inspired exceptional collaborations with leading artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama and Richard Prince.

In January 2026, Louis Vuitton opens its Monogram anniversary year by celebrating its most iconic Monogram bags: the Speedy (1930), which constantly redefines the concept of personal mobility; the Keepall (1930), a longstanding symbol of freedom and effortless travel; the Noé (1932), originally designed to carry five bottles of champagne, forever celebrating creativity and joy; the Alma (1992), a tribute to Parisian architecture, expressing refined elegance; and the Neverfull (2007), the essential modern companion.

Louis Vuitton also unveils its new Monogram Anniversary Collection: taking the codes of the trunk savoir-faire, three special-edition bags reinterpret the Monogram through modern design, diverse materials, and both cutting-edge and traditional craft techniques.

The Monogram Origine Collection revisits the first 1896 pattern through a brand-new Monogram canvas, that revisits the traditional jacquard weave, this time crafted from a linen and cotton blend in a palette of soft pastel hues. The collection draws inspiration from the cover of an archival client register of the House.

The VVN Collection, is an ode to Louis Vuitton leather goods legacy. Crafted from the finest natural cowhide, the collection underlines the purity, authenticity, and the tactile poetry of hand-finished leather, each piece developing a unique patina over time.

The Time Trunk Collection bridges past and present through bold trompe-l’oeil printing that reproduces the textures and metallic details of Louis Vuitton’s historic trunks, transforming heritage into artful illusion.

As Louis Vuitton embarks on this landmark year, the House invites the world to rediscover the Monogram not simply as a design, but as a legend – a living emblem, a universal code of elegance and distinction whose legacy continues to grow.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton #LVMonogram130
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When the Chloé Paddington first launched in 2005 under Phoebe Philo, it instantly became one of the most recognizable «it-bags» of the decade. Its slouchy leather body, chunky hardware, and oversized padlock gave it a distinctive personality that set it apart from the sleek minimalism of other luxury handbags.

After quietly disappearing from Chloé’s collections for years, the Paddington is finally back under the creative vision of Chemena Kamali. Its return is more than just a reissue, it’s a revival of an icon. Personally speaking, it’s not about rediscovering it, it’s about celebrating the fact that I never let it go. Taking it out again feels like reconnecting with an old friend that somehow looks even better today.

I gave mine a little twist and added a bag charm from the new collection to give the icon a modern update: Paddington leather shoulder bag (from 2005) and shearling and gold-tone charm (from 2025).

«Sometimes the best way to stay ahead of the trend is simply to hold on to the right pieces.»

So for those who held onto their original, now is the perfect time to bring it out of the closet and enjoy the fact that it feels just as relevant today as it did two decades ago.

For younger fashion lovers, the comeback offers something different: the chance to buy into a piece of early-2000s nostalgia at exactly the moment when Y2K style is everywhere again. The era’s influence is dominating runways and the Paddington fits right into that wave.

What makes this revival so powerful is its authenticity. Chloé hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel, the Paddington comes back true to its essence, reminding us that some designs never really go out of style. In a world where trends move at lightning speed, the Paddington’s return proves that true icons only step aside until the time is right to shine again. And for those of us who kept ours, that moment has arrived.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of Chloé
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The Roar Bag by Roberto Cavalli is a striking fashion accessory that perfectly captures the brand’s bold, luxurious spirit. Designed under the creative eye of Fausto Puglisi, the bag is inspired by a vintage Cavalli necklace and is instantly recognizable thanks to its distinctive handle – two sculpted tiger heads adorned with shimmering crystals. These fierce details symbolize both power and refined elegance.

With Fausto Puglisi, who designed the Roar bag, for the first collection under his creative direction.

Crafted from premium materials like crocodile-embossed leather, the Roar Bag comes in several sizes – mini, medium, and large – plus in a hobo shape, offering something for every style and occasion. Its sleek shape and jewel-like hardware make it a true statement piece, whether you choose a classic color or one of the vibrant, jewel-toned versions from the S/S 2025 collection.

Wearing my vintage Cavalli necklace that inspired Fausto Puglisi to create the Roar bag with its distinctive handle.

Harald Glööckler and I wore our Roar bags (large and small size) in a recent episode of MY STYLE ROCKS.

This season’s update includes new mini formats and richly embellished designs that push the boundaries of Cavalli’s glamorous aesthetic. Whether paired with a minimalist outfit or used as a bold contrast to casual wear, the Roar Bag is designed to turn heads and elevate any look.

TO SHOP THE ROBERTO CAVALLI ROAR BAGS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli and © Sandra Bauknecht / @kazmva0
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March 2025 sees the arrival of spring in joyful style, with the launch of Chapter Two of Louis Vuitton × Murakami (for Chapter One click here please). As a poetic celebration of Japan’s cherry blossom season, the 20-year anniversary re-edition of the era-defining original collaboration features Japanese master artist Takashi Murakami’s exquisite Cherry Blossom motif meticulously rendered upon more than 40 of the House’s creations.

From City Bags to silk Carrés, footwear including sneakers and platform sandals, to a spectacular made-to-order Malle Wardrobe, the collection embodies a time of the year when feelings of optimism, renewal and new life are at their peak.

With its cheerful pink flower heads and graceful petals applied using cutting-edge digital printing to a full range of creations, Murakami’s Cherry Blossom is the central motif of the collection: presented upon the iconic Monogram brown canvas of City Bags including The OnTheGo, The Papillon, The Boulogne, and The Speedy 25; a range of Art of Travel luggage including The Rolling Trunk, The Keepall 45, and hard-sided trunks including the spectacular Courrier Lozine 110 Fleurs which features physical Cherry Blossom patches attached to the surface; as well as smaller leather designs including The Nano Bucket bag and The Zippy wallet.

Elsewhere, The Marellini, The Alma BB and one of three different Capucines City Bags are given an all-over, rose-coloured rendering, their joyous surfaces in vibrant ‘cheeky pink’ to match the Cherry Blossom motif.

Finally, Spell on You perfume is given a playful lift as the Cherry Blossom motif is displayed ‘in floral flight’ across the bottle, cylindrical packaging, and travel case, as well as on the glass dome of the Ultimate Flacon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Discover Olympia Le-Tan‘s new Wild West Collection, where timeless elegance meets the spirit of adventure. From vibrant designs inspired by the Texas landscape to bold embroidery that celebrates the rodeo culture, these pieces are the ultimate statement for this rodeo season.

My favorite: Rodeo embroidered appliquéd canvas clutch

Whether you’re hitting the stands or embracing your inner cowgirl, order now to ensure your accessory arrives just in time for the ride.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Olympia Le-Tan / © Sandra Bauknecht
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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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There is no doubt that the vanity bag – preferably in burgundy – is the F/W 2024 staple in the wardrobes of those in the know. While the rich burgundy hue appears every fall and winter to replace summer’s brights and pastels, the shade has gotten new life.

Rising designer prices had been prompting Gen Z to repurpose vanity bags as clutches. I mean for a modest cost, you can buy beauty products and receive a complimentary designer vanity bag, enjoying the same luxury experience. High end designer brands transform these shapes now into the new must-have handbags, needless to say for a higher amount, as demonstrated by iconic designs such as the Loro Piana Pouch Bag and Bottega Veneta’s latest Bang Bang style.

This is how a trend is born, these bags perfectly combine style and utility. Below are the best ones available at the moment.

LoL, Sandra

Gaby Vanity leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent

Bang Bang Vanity mini intrecciato leather tote by Bottega Veneta

Mini pouch bag by Loro Piana

Mini camelia shoulder bag by Furla

Burgundy velvet vanity bag by Roger Vivier

Shoulder bag in GG leather by Gucci

Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands
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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.