Sandra‘s Closet

Marc Jacobs dedicated his final collection for Louis Vuitton to the women who inspire him. In the same spirit, the S/S 2014 advertising campaign is devoted to a series of portraits of the designer’s muses.

Catherine Deneuve, Sofia Coppola, Gisele Bündchen, Fan Bingbing, Caroline de Maigret and Edie Campbell, the model hand-picked by Marc Jacobs to open his final runway show, are photographed by Steven Meisel.

The simple studio backdrop and restrained color palette turn the spotlight on the personality of each, as well as on the season’s variations on the iconic Noé bag – embroidered with feathers, crystals, alligator or Sprouse sequins, in supple calfskin, or in Monogram canvas trimmed with black leather.

Just as Marc Jacobs’ valedictory show was intended as a celebration, so this, his final campaign for Louis Vuitton, offers a vibrant homage to women and to enduring style.

On the S/S 2014 runway, a single bag appeared in a myriad different guises, the NN14 – the season’s statement update of the iconic Noé bag, famously designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1932 in response to a request from a champagne producer for an elegant way of carrying five bottles of fizz.

The limited-edition NN14 was created through what Marc Jacobs described as a “cleaning” of the original design – smaller, more streamlined, but still recognizable as a “bucket” for champagne. In addition to Les Extraordinaires, the extremely rare and precious editions whose extravagant embellishments – feathers, crystals, sequins, studs, alligator appliqués – testify to Louis Vuitton’s exceptional savoir-faire, several simpler versions of the NN14 bag will set the tone of the next season.

All share the NN14’s distinctive details: a hand-pleated leather tassel closure, a Louis Vuitton-embossed leather handle, and the emblematic LV padlock and key bell. Inside the bag, a matching removable zippered pocket is perfect for stowing valuables.

The NN14 in Monogram Idole combines canvas with calfskin trim in black, dark red or deep blue. The bag comes in two sizes: small for elbow and hand carry (also available in classic Monogram canvas with natural cowhide trim), and large, which can additionally be worn on the shoulder.

This bag will surely fly of the shelves… question is which one is your favorite?! I am crazy for this embellished one…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Miu Miu launches its latest range of bags for Resort 2014 inspired by the iconic biker jacket, playing with zips and color contrasts. The epitome of this season’s punk trend, those new must-haves come in classic black but also in bold multicolour combinations, equipped with functional details such as the removable shoulder strap and golden-coloured exposed zips.

Available in all the brand’s stores.
TO SHOP THE BIKER BAGS ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

As seen at the label’s F/W 2013 show, Mulberry‘s has a new member joining the iconic ‘Bayswater’ family: the BAYSWATER SHOULDER.

This structured style is topped with a handle for the larger version and is conveniently divided into separate compartments, each with a secure zipped pocket. The signature postman’s lock hardware has been updated in a smaller size, holding the layered strap detailing in place. Attach the optional shoulder strap to go hands-free or wear it cross-body.

TO SHOP THE LARGE BAYSWATER SHOULDER BAG, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

My favorite is the MINI BAYSWATER SHOULDER BAG in red.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mulberry

Lady Gaga is the face of Versace‘s S/S 2014 campaign, the first time that the famous singer has starred in any fashion advertising. Channeling Donatella’s iconic look, the very long platinum blonde hair, Lady Gaga appears in a series of images shot in London by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, wearing pieces from the new summer collection along with some must-have accessories, such as the new Palazzo bag, which was introduced at the S/S 2014 show.

The campaign marks the latest stage of a continuing friendship between Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga. It began with Lady Gaga wearing archive Versace pieces in her video for Edge of Glory, with most recently Lady Gaga titling a track on her new Artpop album Donatella. “I am honoured that my friend Lady Gaga is the face of our new Versace campaign. I wanted to capture her true beauty and spirit in images that are elegant and alluring. She is like family to me, the embodiment of the Versace DNA.”

TO SHOP VERSACE ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versace

We all know that Karl Lagerfeld is a genius and he has proved it once more with his S/S 2014 runway show for Chanel for which he had transformed the Grand Palais into a gigantic white-walled hangar of paintings and sculptures, very Art Basel-like. All seventy-five artworks that served as the backdrop for this artsy collection were made by Lagerfeld himself.

On the runway, he showed amazing backpacks, toughened with a spray-painted version of the iconic logo and colorful chains that will surely fly off the shelves.

Ladies, get yourselves on the wait lists now (I am already on). Those backpacks are the next season’s must-have and in the meantime check out the ones by MCM.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Chanel

While I am preparing all my upcoming Christmas posts, I have received today the first press mailing regarding Valentine’s Day. How crazy is this? This hard case CANDY clutch with a bold, sexy print on a glossy mirrored surface by JIMMY CHOO is so gorgeous, I had to show it to you immediately. It is part of a collection for which red is translated in a spectrum of rich deep ruby, attention grabbing neon flame to dusty rose pink hues.

Get yourselves on the wait list now, ladies!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Jimmy Choo

Celebrating a great revival, the ’90s trend of leather backpacks continues this season and MCM designs some of the most desirable ones, available in different sizes to accommodate your personal lifestyle.

Large enough to fit your every essential, I love the the large models featuring the label’s signature logo print embellished with large pyramid studs. Great for traveling, those must-haves include a padded laptop or tablet compartment and multiple pockets. But also the smaller versions exude grandeur and flair sure to make a style statement that demands pure attention.

For previous posts in which I am wearing some of my favorite models, click on the links below:
One Day in Berlin with MCM
My Look: Hiking in Iceland
Luisaviaroma Style Lab – Grunge Flair

Tomorrow I will host a special event with MCM in Zurich, so please stay tuned for more.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of MCM and © Sandra Bauknecht

The famous Gucci bamboo collection has been an icon for decades, first introduced by the brand’s artisans in the ’40s. I still remember how impressed I have been when I visited the Gucci manufacture last year and actually experienced the amazing craftsmanship and work process behind such a bag and its bamboo handles that have become synonymous for the Italian fashion house. This striking model in the pictures is called Lady Lock and is the newest addition for F/W 2013. Its contemporary silhouette works perfect for everday use.

My look: Floral-print smocked silk-chiffon top, stretch-leather skinny pants, grey hat, suede pumps, earrings and Lady Lock ostrich leather top handle bamboo bag, all by Gucci. Rose ring by Piaget.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Gucci

Spotted on Valentino’s F/W 2013 runway, this new calf leather clutch is the ultimate statement accessory. It features a front strap detail that is as functional as it is fashionable. You might imagine my excitement when this beauty arrived personalized with my initials and a handwritten note from the house’s designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, at my doorstep. Thank you, Valentino, for one of the best gifts ever!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Wednesday, Mulberry hosted together with American Express Centurion an intimate event at the store in Zurich. Listening to the sounds of a harp player, guests were invited to observe the exquisite detail and craftsmanship that goes into creating an iconic ALEXA bag.

On display was the British brand’s newest family member that is part of the F/W 2013 collection: the PRIMROSE, a new take on heritage Mulberry detailing.

Inspired by a vintage bag shape, this softly-rounded satchel is a contrast to the other satchels in the Mulberry collection, yet still loaded with the house’s DNA. It has a structured top handle, cross-body strap and postman’s lock closure – updated exclusively for the Primrose. As opposed to the classic postman’s lock, this one has a side-opening hinge, adding a touch of newness to an iconic piece of Mulberry hardware.

YOU CAN SHOP A LARGE SELECTION OF MULBERRY BAGS HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of Mulberry – Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht