Sandra‘s Closet

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. 

Last week, before leaving to Johannesburg in the evening, I attended The Championships at Wimbledon for the first time as guest of Ralph Lauren x Net-à-Porter.

At Centre Court, British heritage takes a global stage – from the freshly cut grass, strawberries and cream, and morning garden parties to the polished spectator style. As the Official Outfitter of The Championships at Wimbledon since 2006, Ralph Lauren has proudly celebrated the tournament’s rich traditions in sportsmanship and elegance.  The American fashion house is providing uniforms for on-court officials as well as stylish, yet functional, pieces that embody the prestigious and sophisticated atmosphere of the tournament.

I was invited to the Ralph Lauren suite that is elegantly furnished and beautifully decorated. Here I enjoyed lunch and drinks before heading to the game.

Here’s a glimpse into the unique fashion culture of Wimbledon:

Traditional Dress Code
Players: Wimbledon is known for its strict all-white dress code for players, which dates back to the 1800s. At the time in Victorian England, sweat stains were seen as improper and unacceptable, and white would mask the stains the best out of every colored clothing. Once the rule was drawn up, Wimbledon has decided to keep the all-white dress code a tradition throughout the years, meaning that any visible clothing, including undergarments, must be white or almost white.
Spectators: While there’s no official dress code for spectators, the event often attracts a chic, garden-party look with summer dresses, blazers, and hats being common choices.

Celebrities and Royalty
Celebrity Sightings: The event attracts celebrities from various fields, including actors, musicians, and other sports stars, often dressed in stylish, sophisticated outfits.
Royalty: Members of the British royal family, especially Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, was frequently seen at Wimbledon before her illness. Kate is known for her impeccable fashion sense, often opting for elegant dresses that respect the tournament’s refined atmosphere. My seat was next to the royal box where I spotted her parents front row.

Experience and Atmosphere
Strawberries and Cream: A quintessential Wimbledon experience includes enjoying strawberries and cream, served in the grounds, adding to the genteel, summery feel of the event.
Pimm’s and Champagne: These are popular beverages at Wimbledon, contributing to the festive and high-society atmosphere.
The Grounds: The carefully manicured lawns and flower arrangements provide a beautiful backdrop, enhancing the overall experience and making it a picturesque setting for both tennis and fashion enthusiasts.

Iconic Fashion Moments
Roger Federer and Serena Williams: Known for their stylish takes on the all-white rule, Federer’s sleek Nike outfits and Williams’ elegant and sometimes bold tennis dresses have left a mark on Wimbledon’s fashion history.
Anna Wintour: The US Vogue editor-in-chief is a regular at Wimbledon, often seen in the stands wearing stylish summer attire that combines elegance with comfort.

Wimbledon seamlessly blends the worlds of sport and fashion, making it a unique and stylish experience for both players and spectators. The tournament is taking place from July 1-14, 2024.

A big thank you to Iona Miller and her team at Net-à-Porter for this amazing day in Wimbledon!

The Ralph Lauren style tradition pays tribute to the timeless sophistication of tennis.
YOU CAN SHOP THE POLO RALPH LAUREN WIMBLEDON COLLECTION HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Getty
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Last week, I attended the V&A Summer Party that celebrated the opening of the «Naomi: In Fashion» exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition is the first major museum show dedicated to a supermodel, honoring Naomi Campbell’s 40-year career in fashion.

The party drew a star-studded crowd, including fashion designers, celebrities, and industry insiders. Elizabeth Hurley, Tessa Thompson, Letitia Wright, Rina Lipa and more joined Campbell on the event’s red carpet.

«[It feels] overwhelming, but I just wanted everyone to get to know that side of me that they might not have known,» said Campbell.

She wore a custom dress from Boss, which sponsored her exhibition and the event. Top stylist Law Roach worked with the model on the design of the dress, which was accessorized with two diamond Bulgari snake necklaces.

The exhibition, titled «Naomi: In Fashion» spans four decades of her influential career and will run from June 22, 2024, to April 6, 2025.
Enjoy the impressions of the night!

LoL, Sandra

With interior designer Pernilla Bennet of House of Bennet

The performance of Boy George was really outstanding.

Wearing Christopher John Rogers at the opening party.

With Naomi’s mum Valerie Morris Campbell

With Imran Amed of Business of Fashion

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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As part of its partnership with UNICEF*, Louis Vuitton presents its new 2024 Silver Lockit collection, created in collaboration with House Ambassador, Millie Bobby Brown, who is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She models the designs from this year’s collection, which once again illustrates Louis Vuitton’s tireless commitment to this global humanitarian organisation in its efforts to help the world’s most vulnerable children.

As with earlier editions, this collection features the emblematic miniature Lockit engraved with the word ‘LEARN’. This term is particularly meaningful to Millie as it shines a light on her actions to raise awareness of children’s rights and well-being, always advocating for a better world where children can grow, learn, be protected and thrive. For the first time, a full collection is proposed, consisting of an individual earring, a bracelet, and a pendant. The bracelet comes in four colours this year: red, blue, pink and black, and the pendant is redesigned with a longer chain. All products of this 2024 collection are engraved with the word ‘LEARN.’ The Silver Lockit, silver bracelet and necklace, from the permanent collection are still available.

«I am very proud to be a part of this project and to contribute through the design of this new Silver Lockit collection, which also supports an organization that’s incredibly dear to my heart. It’s my wish to ensure all children are provided access to an education.»

– Millie Bobby Brown

Louis Vuitton has raised more than $22 million for UNICEF since 2016 through sales of the Silver Lockit collection, which features new editions every year. For every Silver Lockit bracelet purchased, $100 is donated to UNICEF, and $200 are donated to UNICEF for every Silver Lockit earring and new pendant purchased.

The new edition will be available in stores worldwide as of 30th May 2024. The campaign for this new Silver Lockit collection will be revealed on the Louis Vuitton social channels starting 31st May 2024.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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*UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

Balenciaga brand ambassador Nicole Kidman showcases the Rodeo Bag in a new campaign photographed by Mario Sorrenti, alongside Chinese actor and singer Yang Chaoyue, and American model Amelia Gray. The exquisitely crafted instant icon, named for a Drive in Beverly Hills, is customized with a selection of charms.

Their individuality is on display, set against a soft grey field in striking portraits. The Balenciaga Rodeo Bag is crafted in exquisite calfskin with a matte finish. Its one-of-a-kind construction and versatile closure options effect a relaxed attitude. Pre-worn pleats, softened piping, and raw edges call to mind a favorite item worn daily, or an heirloom passed between generations.

Included in the campaign are a selection of charms that are individually added for customization and differentiation purposes. The decorations or their absence imbue each Rodeo Bag with its own unique personality, complementing its wearer’s.

On the S/S 2024 runway, there was also a fully customized limited edition, that is available for € 9500.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are the new faces of Gucci Valigeria. The House’s latest campaign embraces the spirit of «Gucci Ancora» as a celebration of the love that lies at the centre of Gucci’s community.

Shot in an airport, the meeting place where journeys begin, the campaign explores the intimacy of traveling together through the creative lens of Anthony Seklaoui. Stills capture the fleeting spirit of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s airport stroll, redefining the Jet Set glamour of the 1990s.

Effortlessly casual and chic looks complement the timeless elegance that defines the House’s travel collections. Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny carry items from the signature Gucci Savoy collection including GG Supreme duffle bags in different sizes, backpacks, rigid suitcases, and trolleys distinguished by a combination of heritage-infused design elements such as the GG monogram and/or the Web stripe. The campaign also introduces novel designs defined by fluorescent leather details alongside embossed GG rubberized leather styles.

I am so in love with this Savoy leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas suitcase by Gucci.

Through this Valigeria campaign, Gucci pays tribute to its founding history and heralds a new era of adventure and luxury travel in line with the vision of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno.

TO SHOP GUCCI VALIGERIA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Credits Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola Director: Nikita Kuzmeko Photographer: Anthony Seklaoui Stylist: Alastair McKimm Make-Up KJ: Mary Phillips Make-Up BB: Mira Chai Hyde Hair: Paul Hanlon Talents: Kendall Jenner & Bad Bunny
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In December 2021, Billie Eilish announced an eco-friendly limited-edition vinyl version of «Happier Than Ever» made from recycled vinyl scraps. The collector’s item was available only at a number of Gucci stores around the world and included Gucci-branded nail stickers designed by the brand’s creative director at that time, Alessandro Michele. Needless to say it sold out in seconds and the market got flushed with fake stickers available on Amazon, Etsy and others.

However, the best is yet to come. The nail stickers set – created to celebrate House emblems through the GG monogram and lettering in multiple shades and styles – is available now for only CHF 20 without the vinyl. This is a true collector’s item for all beauty lovers. Comprised of 176 stickers, the set includes four designs that allow for endless creative combinations, infusing each look with brand recognition.

How to use: After allowing a base coat of your chosen nail color to dry fully, place the nail-art sticker of choice on the middle of each fingernail. Press it for a few seconds with a finger, and then release.

TO SHOP THE NAIL STICKER SET, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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If you are a mum of a twenty year old, you will surely have spent a lot of time listening to Taylor Swift songs. And you will know exactly what it means to get Taylor Swift’s concert tickets, with people starting queuing at various outlets days before the sale officially started. Those so-called Swifties will be proud now as Taylor Swift is TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year!

Swift’s accomplishments as an artist – culturally, critically, and commercially – are so legion that to recount them seems almost beside the point. As a pop star, she sits in rarefied company, alongside Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Madonna; as a songwriter, she has been compared to Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, and Joni Mitchell. As a businesswoman, she has built an empire worth, by some estimates, over $1 billion. And as a celebrity – who by dint of being a woman is scrutinized for everything from whom she dates to what she wears – she has long commanded constant attention and knows how to use it. But this year, something shifted. To discuss her movements felt like discussing politics or the weather – a language spoken so widely it needed no context. She became the main character of the world.

Taylor Swift has been named TIME’s 2023 Person of the Year, making second appearance on a Person of the Year cover since the franchise’s inception in 1927. Swift, who had previously been honored as one of the «Silence Breakers» in 2017, joins the list of several U.S. presidents and world leaders as a repeat designee. Swift, at 33, boasts an unparalleled litany of records and honors, culminating in a smashing Eras tour and hitting billionaire status. In the interview with TIME where she expressed being the «proudest and happiest she’s ever felt,» Swift, recognized for spinning her story into a global legend, credited her recent creative freedom for her success.

If you’re skeptical, consider it: How many conversations did you have about Taylor Swift this year? How many times did you see a photo of her while scrolling on your phone? Were you one of the people who made a pilgrimage to a city where she played? Did you buy a ticket to her concert film? Did you double-tap an Instagram post, or laugh at a tweet, or click on a headline about her? Did you find yourself humming «Cruel Summer» while waiting in line at the grocery store? Did a friend confess that they watched clips of the Eras Tour night after night on TikTok? Or did you?

Swift’s undeniable impact is reflected in societal shifts; her romance with NFL star Travis Kelce spurred millions of her followers into football fandom, while her call to voting action triggered thousands to register. However, beyond her stardom, it is her personal touch with fans that resonates most, encapsulated in her sentiment about holding up a mirror to her life to help others better see themselves. Swift’s authentic self-expression and triumphant creative journey were showcased in not one, but three unique covers of TIME magazine. In a display of her candid nature, one cover starred the pop superstar with her beloved cat Benjamin Button, revealing the intimate bond between the artist and her pet.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Inez and Vinoodh for TIME
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A FUCKING FESTIVE Merry Christmas to you! While being in London this month, I was invited by my dear friend Ayda Field Williams to her wonderful house for a PJ party in her huge bedroom among lovely ladies. Ayda is amazing, so fun and creative and yes, she is also the wife of Robbie Williams.

Ayda and me having some fucking festive fun!

Inspired by the sheer decadence of the holiday season, her «Fucking Festive» collection gives permission to overindulge and get naughty with that mistletoe. I am so in love with these pieces that are not only comfortable but absolutely stylish adding a certain kind of humor to your daily wardrobe.

Ayda’s great style tip: combine the socks with the high heels!

Rockin’ around the Christmas tree, decorating gingerbread houses, and feeling #fuckingfestive, what else could you ask for?! And good news is that the collection will look great all year long …

TO SHOP AYDA ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Ayda and © Sandra Bauknecht
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I am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo x Jean Paul Gaultier collaboration featuring global pop star Kylie Minogue in the campaign. Fusing two creative identities and being born from a shared vision of femininity, empowerment and confidence, the capsule collection is co-designed by Jimmy Choo’s creative director Sandra Choi and JPG’s creative director, Florence Tétier. It revisits archive pieces from the Parisian fashion house, adapting them to contemporary tastes.

«Fashion for me has always been about collaboration with like-minded creatives, and pure personal self-expression. Jean Paul Gaultier and Jimmy Choo have both been part of my fashion journey, and I’m thrilled to work with both of them to celebrate this exceptional collection,» says Kylie Minogue of the partnership. «It’s our collective histories fusing, to create something fresh and new,» she adds.

Acting as an evolution of the longstanding relationship between Kylie and both brands, the campaign follows a long line of made-to-measure Gaultier looks and custom Jimmy Choo shoes. The campaign sees Kylie showcasing the new footwear collection and transforming into a modern-day pin-up.

My favorite pair of the collection: The black leather wedge pumps show both the icons of the cities that are home to the brands, the Eiffeltower and Big Ben, in their plexiglass heels.

For Jimmy Choo, the collaboration follows its recent team-up with Sailor Moon creator Naoko Takeuchi and for JPG, the collection follows its recent release with the corset-loving London ready-to-wear label KNWLS, alongside news of its next guest designer: Simone Rocha.

TO SHOP JIMMY CHOO x JEAN PAUL GAULTIER ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Jimmy Choo / JPG
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