Sandra‘s Closet

There are fashion collaborations and there are major fashion collaborations. Louis Vuitton & Yayoi Kusama‘s 2023 partnership is very much of the latter, encompassing both the universes of women and men through ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, accessories, luggage and trunks and fragrances, these wide-ranging and intricate collections appear in two parts, with distinct thematic directions reflecting Yayoi Kusama’s motifs and motivations.

Cruise 2023 Show

Yayoi Kusama has partnered with Louis Vuitton two times now. Kusama, who’s consistently produced variations of her signature polka dot art since the 1970s, is one of the world’s most famous artists thanks to the enduring popularity of her Instagram-friendly Infinity Rooms and instantly-recognizable polka-dotted pumpkins.

The last time that Louis Vuitton met the magic of Yayoi Kusama was in 2012. Yet this relationship never ended – ten years after, it evolved, and expanded with conversations continued and extended.

For collectors and Kusama fans alike, Louis Vuitton’s capsule offers once more a rare opportunity to get luxury goods laden with the artist’s touch. There is the appeal of the artisanal process applied to certain items — 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 — and that this is the first time that Kusama’s art has been applied to LV menswear.

Kusama’s touch even extends to a special edition of three perfumes, complete with matching monogrammed canvas case.

Drop 1 will launch on 1st of January 2023 in China and Japan, followed by the rest of the world on 6th of January 2023.
Drop 2 will be available in Louis Vuitton stores starting 31st March 2023.

Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration will be celebrated within a fully immersive visual landscape, ranging from window displays, to Pop-ups, to anamorphic billboards, alongside AR experiences, an XR game and a dedicated advertising campaign.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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The Barbour for Chloé capsule – the first luxury Maison to collaborate with the British heritage brand – spans ready-to-wear, bags, shoes and accessories.

This new collection combines the distinguished history of both brands to create a range that is contemporary, practical and stylish. Using Barbour’s tradition and heritage and the elegant finesse for which Chloé is renowned, this capsule celebrates free-spirited femininity and sophisticated comfort with the Dani and Dustyn waxed jackets, inspired by the brand’s classic silhouettes and Chloé’s iconic frilled jackets.

TO SHOP THE BARBOUR FOR CHLOÉ CAPSULE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chloé
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As Fusalp marks its 70th anniversary, the French specialists in skiwear wished to celebrate by teaming up with Pucci for a collaboration of ski and leisure styles. This capsule conveys the enthusiasm and joy of two brands joined by a historic connection to skiing and the mountains.

Camille Miceli of Pucci and Mathilde Lacoste of Fusalp have reimagined a collection that includes three emblematic ensembles and Fusalp best-sellers – the Gardena jacket, the Elancia and Belalp ski pants and the Maria ski suit – with Pucci all-over prints.

«For the 70th anniversary of Fusalp, I wanted to convey the enthusiasm and joy embedded in our brand through its history. Only Emilio Pucci could bring these vibrant colours and iconic prints that convey such incomparable energy,» says Mathilde Lacoste.

«We were delighted to pay tribute to Fusalp through this collection of colourful ski creations. Our similar heritage, newly expressed through technical expertise and fashion genuinely celebrates the spirit of collaboration – and of our theme this season, La Famiglia,» says Camille Miceli.

Certain styles feature Marmo motifs in palettes such as multicoloured with black and shades of icy blue. The ski suit, swirled with the violet Iride pattern, transposes the Pucci vision into a high-performance piece. Fusalp takes a fully technical approach – from outer materials and thermal pieces that offer waterproof, warmth and extreme cold protection to shapes, which sculpt and highlight the body in motion. Exceptional materials include waterproof and protective Swiss softshell, technical nylons and feathers, in addition to thermals developed with «body mapping» which give the effect of a contoured figure.

The core skiwear offer comprises 8 pieces styled as 3 main looks, each characterised by 3 different colour ranges and print variations. The après-ski proposal includes 6 heavy knitwear items and 2 padded ponchos. Among the range of accessories accented with nylon Pucci trim are a cap, scarf, snood, ear warmers, and a polycarbonate helmet.

This collaboration reimagines the ‘70s glamorous, free and joyful spirit of Pucci’s signature prints with Fusalp’s technical elegance – the best of both worlds conceived for the slopes and beyond. The collaboration is available now, both online and in a selection of Pucci and Fusalp boutiques, as well as on Mytheresa.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Fusalp #puccixfusalp
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Jimmy Choo x Timberland have joined forces again for a collaboration that sees Timberland’s iconic Original Yellow Boot re-imagined through the luxurious lens of Jimmy Choo creative director Sandra Choi, alongside Harlem’s Fashion Row and designer Shanel Campbell. The result? A reinvented classic.

The fusion of outdoor heritage with Jimmy Choo’s signature glamour and «the gritty energy of New York» is inspired by the ’90s hip-hop scene. The most desirable piece of the collection? A limited edition design that is fully embellished in Swarovski crystals and set on a slim 115mm heel with a pointed toe. I LOVE!

LoL, Sandra

Wheat Timberland Nubuck Ankle Boots with Jimmy Choo Graffiti (also available for men)

Black Timberland Nubuck Ankle Boots with Crystal Logo

Hot Pink Timberland Velvet Ankle Boots (also available for men)

Black Timberland Patent Knee High Boots with Detachable Harness

Gold Timberland Shimmer Suede Ankle Boots with Swarovski Crystals

Photos: © Jimmy Choo
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Here is another great designer collaboration you shouldn’t miss: Sergio Rossi x Wolford. The capsule collection, created under the artistic direction of Evengelie Smirniotaki, best combines the key values of the iconic Italian women’s footwear brand, and the market leader in luxury high-quality skinwear and hosiery. The tie-up is marked by a dedicated campaign inspired by Helmut Newton, who worked with both companies throughout his career.

The line includes provocative, suspender-like tights; socks with crystal embellishments and emblazoned with both logos, and formfitting tights in boldly colored Lycra or covered in rhinestones.

TO SHOP SERGIO ROSSI x WOLFORD, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sergio Rossi x Wolford
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For more than 160 years, creative exchange has taken place in tandem with the heritage and innovation of Louis Vuitton. These artistic collaborations have expanded the Maison’s universe, enlivening collections with imagination and surprising expression. With LV DREAM, Louis Vuitton celebrates these inspiring ideas and their creators as an expansive exhibition within the building of the former La Belle Jardinière department store, alongside a café and chocolate shop in collaboration with the Cheval Blanc Paris Chef-pâtissier, Maxime Frédéric.

Beginning December 12th, 2022, LV DREAM welcomes visitors to discover a rich exploration of Louis Vuitton’s collaborations through time and across a broad range of historic and contemporary pieces. Comprised of nine rooms with many interactive components, this immersive journey revisits the highly original interpretations in constant dialogue with the Maison. The exhibition plays out with endless dynamism spanning the earliest artistic undertakings such as window displays and perfume bottles; specially commissioned trunks; iconic Monogram reworkings by renowned artists; the diverse range of ready-to-wear collaborations; and the first three chapters of the Artycapucines collection of reimagined Capucine bags.

Inside, visitors will follow a circuit arranged according to themes such as «Louis Vuitton: As Seen»; «The World of Louis Vuitton According to Rei», and «Leather Goods in Fashion». Among the highlights: two portraits of Louis Vuitton by Alex Katz and Mister Cartoon that have never been exposed to the public. The World of Vuitton According to Rei, a room dedicated to Rei Kawakubo, artistic director of Comme des Garçons, who envisioned two capsules for Louis Vuitton: Party Bags in 2008 and Bags With Holes in 2014. Here, the scenography encourages visitors to experiment with the scale to feel as though they are actually inside the bags. Interactive scenography can also be found in Art Meets Fashion, the final space where a digital wall projects motion-sensitive animations adapted from collaborations with Daniel Buren, NigoÒ, Grace Coddington and Christopher Nemeth.

To extend the experience, LV DREAM introduces «Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton» – a café and chocolate shop (Chocolaterie), both overseen by the renowned Chef-Pâtissier of the Cheval Blanc Paris. Among the leading names in the artistry of patisserie and chocolate-making, Maxime Frédéric honed his craft at the palace-hotels of Paris, including Le Meurice and George V, before joining the Cheval Blanc Paris in 2020 and winning the 2022 Gault & Millau Guide prize for Pastry Chef of the Year. Surrounded by tropical plants, the Café offers a lush respite for visitors with a specially developed selection of fresh pastries that play on the Maison’s motifs. The Chocolaterie, meanwhile, showcases a delightful assortment of chocolates that once again draw inspiration from Louis Vuitton codes, packaged in emblematic boxes.

Finally, in the gift shop, visitors can browse items developed with an exclusive LV DREAM design, along with a selection of small leather goods, accessories, fragrances, and publishing.

Conceived for Parisians and tourists alike, LV DREAM builds upon previous exhibitions that have explored the Maison’s history of collaborations. Here, imagination and creative output become an experience for all to discover.

Opening date: 12th December 2022
Location: 2 rue du Pont Neuf – Paris 1er (former Belle Jardinière department store)
Opening hours : Monday to Sunday, 11am to 8pm
Free admission to exhibition upon reservation via Louisvuitton.com
Free entry without reservation to «Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton» and gift store

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Originally debuting on the Exquisite Gucci runway, a mirror-filled space where historic emblems multiplied and metamorphized across sartorial streetwear, the first adidas x Gucci collection expands on the creative concept founded on an affinity for three stripes. Revealed in a lookbook released last month, the cross-category selection portrays the kaleidoscopic aesthetic of Alessandro Michele by mixing the codes of the House with those of the historic sportswear brand, and consequentially those of high fashion and streetwear.

For the launch, Alessandro Michele has envisioned a campaign that takes inspiration directly from an archival 1979 adidas catalogue. To animate the concept, a gridded template showcases a variety of moving imagery captured by Carlijn Jacobs. Against brightly colored backdrops, models stretch, run, or dance in place to a soundtrack of pensive phrases such as, «When your thoughts become reality, you understand what magic is.»

I am obsessed with the pink jumpsuit.

The assemblage plays out across women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, as well as on bags, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and lifestyle pieces.

Throughout the selection, the GG monogram and Interlocking G mix with the adidas Trefoil in colorful prints, as well as on jacquard fabrics; while the red and green Web of Gucci complements the three stripes of adidas. Pushing the collection further into hybridized territory, ready-to-wear pieces echo the sporting attire of decades past while portraying an undeniable contemporary character. Additionally, conventionally formal pieces like leather heels, suede loafers, and silk scarves are marked with casual codes. Beyond the standard selection, the expansive offering also includes some lifestyle items including a golf bag in two different variations, a nod to the House’s heritage in leisure products.

Reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, progress, sustainability goals, and collective action, the collection features multiple pieces crafted with future-conscious material fabrications including polyester, cotton, and viscose. Furthermore, each piece comes with special packaging that features the adidas x Gucci logo and that was strategically designed to reduce environmental impact (All paper and cardboard come from sustainably managed forest sources, and an uncoated paper has been used to ensure it is fully recyclable. In addition, shopping bag handles are made of 100% recycled polyester while pouches and suit carriers are made of a mix of regenerated cotton and recycled polyester).

The collection will be distributed through designated stores, online on Gucci.com and through ephemeral Gucci Pop-Ups, where the spaces will be decorated with one of the geometric prints found in the offering. A dedicated product selection will also be available on the adidas CONFIRMED app.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci #adidasxGucci
CAMPAIGN CREDITS Creative Director: Alessandro Michele Art Director: Christopher Simmonds Photographer: Carlijn Jacobs
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Balenciaga presented his off-schedule Resort 2023 show on Sunday in the Big Apple. It took place at The New York Stock Exchange – a place the fashion crowd normally doesn’t have access to – and began with the ringing of the opening bell.

The French brand embarked on the unusual timing for a company first, under Demna’s direction, to hold a show in NYC. The invitation was a fat stack of fake 100s. And one thing is for sure, you need a good income to get those new pieces that will surely become a hit as Balenciaga revealed his collaboration with adidas in the last part off the show. Latex bodysuits fully covered models’ faces and send all focus on Balenci-adidas. Classic adidas pieces like Three Stripes tracksuits, hoodies, jerseys, and tees get the Balenciaga treatment, boasting updated oversized silhouettes.

The Balenciaga Triple S sneaker comes with the famous adidas stripes, either in white/black and blue/white colorways for CHF 975. However, for me the best pieces of the collection and something that will make its way into Sandra’s Closet.

The tight classic mini dress costs CHF 55 the adidas way (left) and CHF 1390 with the Balenciaga treatment (right). Sorry guys, but this is ridiculous. There I am out!

Balenciaga x adidas is now available only for one week until May 29 on Balenciaga’s webstore. So, act fast, but save some money as Gucci x adidas will officially drop in June. Gucci and Balenciaga both belong to Kering and they obviously like the German manufacturer of athletic shoes and apparel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Balenciaga
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What happened when Donatella Versace and Kim Jones switched roles?
Versace by Fendi and Fendi by Versace, two iconic collections that celebrate their friendship and the cultural impact of Versace and Fendi. For Pre-fall 2022, the two houses joined forces and created FENDACE, for women and men.

The show took place in the courtyard of the Versace family palazzo on Via Gesu in September last year. What went down is that Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi of Fendi (first part of the show) and Donatella Versace of Versace (second part of the show) swapped houses  for one night only to design 25 looks for their erstwhile rivals. Relive the surprise unveiling from Milan and shop the designs from May 12, 2022.

Fendi by Versace on the Versace website and Versace by Fendi on the Fendi website.

Below you can explore my favorite looks. I personally find Donatella’s take stronger than the one by Kim and Silvia.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Versace / Fendi
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Renowned French Haute Couture label Jean Paul Gaultier (JPG) and stylist of the moment Lotta Volkova have collaborated on a ready-to-wear capsule consisting of bra dresses, corset tops and soft tailoring. As the in-house stylist for Vetements and Balenciaga, Volkova has been integral to the creative vision of both houses. In this capsule you will see her style fuse beautifully with the signature aesthetic JPG is known for.

There is a very limited distribution with this capsule collection, so please be fast… my favorites are the following from left to right:

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER + Lotta Volkova lace-up crepe and satin leggings
 JEAN PAUL GAULTIER + Lotta Volkova lace-up satin bralette
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER + Lotta Volkova lace-up ruched velvet bralette

Jean Paul Gaultier’s conical bra is iconic – when Madonna wore one on stage during her 1990 ‘Blonde Ambition‘ tour, it went down as one of the most iconic moments in music and fashion history. From the brand’s latest collaboration with Lotta Volkova, there are several remakes, one made from plush velvet that’s ruched and corseted and has those iconic spiral cups and another one made from topstitched satin with matching leggings.

TO SHOP THE COLLABORATION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Lotta Volkova

Photos: © Johnny Dufort for JPG
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