Sandra‘s Closet

It was big news when GUCCI revealed their new Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, in January this year (for the previous post, please click here). One thing is for sure. The fashion industry loves debuts and indeed, Michele’s approach feels very different from what we had been knowing from Giannini’s collections. The new man at the helm of Gucci has a decidedly more romantic outlook, differing from the former sexy designs.

For his first season, Alessandro Michele created the DIONYSUS BAG, which will be the It-Bag of the season! With the horseshoe-shaped double Tiger-head closure as its distinctive feature, the Dionysus was named after the eponymous Greek god of wine, who crossed the river Tigris with the aid of his father, Zeus, who sent a tiger to carry Dionysus across.

The new Dionysus bag is available in various materials including exotic skins like python and crocodile, and even with embroidered embellishments such as a bee, snake or eagle, created using strips of brass whipped in silk thread.

My favorite model is this hand-painted floral motif as also seen in the F/W2015 ad campaign.

Design of the gods. A bag you’ll surely love to carry around this season and many more to come!
TO SHOP THE NEW DIONYSUS BAG BY GUCCI, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci

Prada’s Double Bag, a practical and surprisingly lightweight tote, that features an internal divider with a flap pocket to hold valuables, complemented with buttons on each side and a metal name plaque, is a timeless purchase that you will keep for many seasons to come.

This season it presents itself in a new array of spring colors which will hit the stores in August in Central Europe. I adore those vibrant hues and wouldn’t resist the raspberry one.

YOU CAN SHOP A GREAT SELECTION OF PRADA BAGS ONLINE HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada

 You might wonder why I post wishes for Mother’s Day two days after the actual celebration. The reason is that I would like to remind everyone that we should worship our mums every single day. I read this amazing quote recently: “Call your mother. Tell her you love her. Remember you’re the only person who knows what her heart sounds like from the inside.” It’s so true!

Surprise her! Personally speaking, I was over the moon when those CHANEL must-haves found their way into my closet this weekend.

Protest-inspired, with slogans like ‘Make Fashion Not War‘ and ‘Feministe Mais Feminine,’ the S/S 2015 bags and accessories make a huge statement and every women’s heart leap with joy.
In CHANEL stores now.

LoL, Sandra

 Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Humpty Dumpty», a nursery rhyme, that is part of our childhood. It is full of innocence and naivety. It is popular. It can be sung, danced or even mimed sometimes. It is accompanied by unforgettable pictures and characters.

Jeremy Scott is evoking this nursery rhyme from on Longchamp’s Le Pliage® bag this season with his quirky sense of humor and colorful pop world. The print is a mix of rabbits, elephants, mushrooms, tortoises and more.

This new «Humpty Dumpty» limited edition with extravagant motifs will be on sale exclusively at Colette, Paris, from May 1, 2015, and available in Longchamp points of sale from June 1, 2015. Don’t miss out on this playtime treat!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Longchamp

Such exciting news I can finally share with you as I had a strict embargo not to post anything before today. Meet THE GIRL CHANEL 2015 – the new bag you didn’t know you needed. Shaking up the codes, transforming or diverting clothes and accessories from their regular usage with daring and humour, has always been a signature of Karl Lagerfeld at CHANEL.

The new design might remind you of my MOSCHINO JACKET BAG, but on the other side the Moschino version looks a lot like a Chanel jacket, so only fair.

Iconoclastic, the Girl CHANEL bag draws on the lines and codes of the legendary CHANEL jacket and all its elements are present: sleeves, cuffs, braiding, collar, buttons, pockets… In smooth or quilted lambskin, in tweed or loden, in felt or ponyskin, in two-tone or two-fabric tweed, it carries with it its creator’s philosophy and spirit of practicality.

“It’s like a jacket, you can knot it and wear it how you want: on the hip, around the neck, on the back, anywhere”, explains Karl Lagerfeld. By making the Girl CHANEL wearable in a multitude of ways, it gives free rein to the needs and desires of every individual, offering ease and freedom of movement.

Crafted according to the traditions of excellence at CHANEL, the Girl CHANEL was born from the symbiosis of two skill sets, that of ready-to-wear and that of leather goods. Inspired by the CHANEL jacket, it effectively uses the same construction techniques: the positioning of buttons – some from the House of Desrues – buttonhole tabs, braiding, the application of pockets, as well as work on the collar and cuffs. Even down to its assembly which, just as with a CHANEL jacket, is done inside out. So many details, all of which make it unique while affirming its status as a truly luxurious accessory.

In two sizes, the Girl CHANEL comes in a variety of winter colour palettes: smooth black or khaki lambskin leather with a black or beige leather braiding, light or dark grey quilted lambskin leather with a green or grey braiding, iridescent gold or copper ponyskin leather with a black braiding, grey loden with a red and green woven braid, or green felt with a brown leather braid and finally leather surrounding four shades of multi-coloured tweed woven by Lesage.

A true reflection of Karl Lagerfeld’s constantly renewed creativity, the Girl CHANEL bag delivers instant recognition of the quintessence of CHANEL: the union of luxury and fashion. “There are some things that will never go out of fashion: a pair of jeans, a white shirt and a Chanel jacket,” declares Karl Lagerfeld. Inspired by this iconic item, the Girl CHANEL is promised the same posterity. Available in CHANEL boutiques from March 2015.

Get yourselves on the wait lists now! This will be Chanel’s new It-bag!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Somewhere over the rainbow, there is my Valentine and it’s a Valentino! Just when I thought the Rockstud collection couldn’t get any more fabulous, I spotted those rainbow stripes that are absolutely divine. It’s amazing how even after several years, the Valentino Rockstud is still going strong and gets better and better each season. Here is my wish list on Valentine’s Day (in case anybody wants to gift me, I love number 6)!

1 The Rockstud printed leather clutch
2 The Rockstud printed leather shoulder bag
3 Printed leather and Plexiglas® sandals
4 1973 Rockstud printed leather point-toe flats
5 Nubuck, straw and canvas wedge sandals
6 Va Va Voom printed leather shoulder bag

7 Plexiglas® cuff

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Valentino

Stella McCartney unveils its’ S/S 2015 ad campaign images for the first time today featuring model Natalia Vodianova photographed in Ibiza by Harley Weir.

A frequent favourite of the designer and styled by herself, this is the 7th time Natalia appears in her campaign. The photos are inspired by the effortless spirit and fluid silhouette of the new collection.

My favorite looks from Stella McCartney’s S/S 2015 collection

The new campaign highlights the iconic Falabella bag in quilted metallic silver faux leather in mini and micro size, as well as in the embroidered denim crossbody.

Embroidered Denim Crossbody Bag

Baby Falabella Quilted Messenger Bag

The micro quilted metallic Falabella will be sold exclusively at Stella McCartney stores worldwide and online starting this March. Get yourselves on the wait lists now!

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER THE STELLA MCCARTNEY S/S 2015 RUNWAY COLLECTION HERE.

TO SHOP THE NEW RESORT 2015 COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Stella McCartney

Capitalising on its position in London’s most fashionable district, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London announces an exclusive partnership with French high end luxury Maison Chloé, as the S/S 2015 collections arrive in stores, commencing Thursday 12th February 2015.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering guests a special package in luxurious accommodation, with the opportunity to own the Drew ahead of London Fashion Week and experience a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé Fizz champagne cocktails.

Drew medium textured-leather shoulder bag

The Chloé Debuts package starts at GBP 1,722 and includes:
• One night’s accommodation for two in a Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping views of the UK’s fashion capital
• À la carte breakfast for two people over looking Hyde Park
• Personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive Chloé’s ‘Drew’ bag
• Chloé Love Story perfume
• Chloé-inspired afternoon tea for two people in the enchanting tea room, The Rosebery

The Rosebery

For an aficionado experience in February 2015, guests visiting The Rosebery for a limited edition Chloé-inspired afternoon tea and a Chloé Fizz cocktail will be able to view a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the lobby of the hotel and two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a variety of different colours and patterns.

Drew small python shoulder bag

The Drew bag is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, it features an elegant turn lock system, in perfect harmony with its knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots. Available in three sizes, this cross–body style offers an effortless transition from daytime to evening, with crisp raw edging on sumptuous materials.

Terms and conditions
The package is valid from Thursday 12th February 2015 to Monday 9th March 2015. Reservations are subject to availability, inclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Manadrin Oriental and Chloé

For Cruise 2015, Charlotte Olympia introduces a new theme inspired by the atmosphere, traditions, and spice of Mexico. The colourful and textured styles of Down Mexico Way are a vibrant portal for your winter escape. I just adore every single piece.

1 Piñata raffia and leather shoulder bag

2 Kahlo embellished Perspex clutch
3 It Makes You Happy brass clutch
4 ‘Senorita Magazine’ clutch
5 Taquera suede-trimmed embellished raffia clutch
6 Calavera Swarovski crystal-embellished Perspex clutch

7 Hibiscus embroidered satin sandals
8 Chili Pandora Perspex clutch

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia and via Teen Vogue

Fall into the holidays with the 2014 Gucci Gift Guide, inspired by a whimsical story about finding the perfect gift, even in the most unexpected moment. From contemporary trends and iconic accessories in their Wish List Section (with picks for him and for her) to elegant looks for the season’s chicest invitations to the ultimate in no-holds-barred holiday opulence, as seen in Handle with Care, the curated selection has something for everyone on your list. With pint-sized picks from Gucci Kids, chic designs for sunny escapes, and small luxuries designed to delight, a sensational season is guaranteed. Explore all this and more on GUCCI.COM.

A piece of art: Gucci‘s Floral Knight Bamboo Shopper is definitely on my wish list. As I am already a huge fan of this line (check out this previous post here), I couldn’t have been more excited about this new printed version. Perfect for the next season.

Overly cute: these Mini Bamboo Shoppers are made from supple textured-leather and finished with a detachable strap. It’s the perfect size for your cell, makeup essentials and wallet. 
Did you know that Gucci’s iconic bamboo handles were originally created in 1947 using a patented method to heat and bend them into shape. (If you are interested, I would like to invite you to have a look at a previous post about my visit to the Gucci manufacture in Casellina, Italy).

Love at first sight: sophisticated style with a retro edge, the Bamboo Sac Backpack
makes a defiant comeback. Available in many different colors, its spacious drawstring style has plenty of room for your essentials. Really one is spoilt for choice, which color is your favorite?

Ultimate luxury: a wallet in crocodile leather. The perfect gift for the distinguished connoisseur.

Those studded heels make every fashion lover’s heart leap with joy. Play with colors to elevate your outfit to the next level.

Dear Santa, please be good to me, all I want for Christmas is Gucci…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci