Sandra‘s Closet

John Galliano x Zara: A Collision of Genius and Contradiction

When Zara announced its two-year creative partnership with John Galliano, the fashion world did what it always does in moments like this: it paused, tilted its head, and tried to understand.

Because Galliano is not just another designer. He is, quite simply, one of the most extraordinary creative minds fashion has ever produced. A couturier in spirit, a storyteller by instinct, someone who does not merely design clothes but constructs entire emotional universes around them. His work has always existed somewhere between theatre and technique, excess and precision.

And now… Zara.

The partnership, set to begin in September 2026, promises a reworking of the brand’s own archives, with Galliano deconstructing past garments and reshaping them into new seasonal collections. On paper, it sounds almost poetic: a dialogue between past and present, between mass production and couture authorship.

But the reality feels more complicated.

A visit to the Maison Margiela Couture atelier in 2024 when Galliano presented its last collection for the Maison for Spring 2024.

There is something deeply paradoxical about placing a designer of Galliano’s caliber within the machinery of fast fashion. His talent has always thrived on time, craft, and obsessive detail, qualities that stand in quiet opposition to the speed and scale that define Zara. It is difficult not to feel that something fragile might be lost in translation.

And yet, there is another side to this.

Discovering an amazing archive.

Fashion has long struggled with accessibility. The great maisons, once temples of aspiration, have increasingly become fortresses, defined by relentless price increases, a noticeable decline in quality, and, perhaps most discouragingly, a certain aloofness that keeps many new customers at the door rather than inviting them in. The joy of fashion, of discovery, of participation, has in many ways been diminished.

In that sense, this collaboration raises an interesting question: what does it mean to bring a couturier’s vision to a wider audience?

There is something undeniably compelling about the idea. About Galliano’s imagination reaching people who would otherwise never experience it. About dissolving, even slightly, the rigid boundaries between luxury and accessibility.

But accessibility at what cost?

Fast fashion, by its very nature, carries an uncomfortable weight, of overproduction, of disposability, of a system that prioritizes immediacy over longevity. To place a designer who has always embodied the opposite within that framework feels, at least emotionally, like a mismatch.

Perhaps what many of us hoped for was something in between.

Not the rarefied distance of heritage houses, nor the relentless pace of fast fashion, but a space where creativity, craftsmanship, and accessibility could coexist without compromise. A house that could have given Galliano the room he deserves, while still speaking to a broader, modern audience.

Because his talent deserves that. It always has.

And still, despite the ambivalence, there is curiosity.

What happens when a couturier engages with constraints? When someone like Galliano is asked not to escape the system, but to reinterpret it from within? There is a possibility, however small, that something genuinely new could emerge from that tension.

For now, the announcement leaves us suspended between admiration and unease. We celebrate the return of a genius to the spotlight, while quietly mourning the context in which it happens.

Perhaps that is where fashion finds itself today: caught between two extremes, still searching for its middle ground.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, John Galliano: Photographer / Art Director: Szilveszter Makó @szilvesztermako
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Pieter Mulier Leaves Alaïa – And I Couldn’t Be More Excited for What He’ll Do at Versace

There are designers who simply take over a house, and then there are those rare creative minds who truly understand its soul while still moving it forward. Pieter Mulier belongs firmly in the latter category.

Born in Belgium in 1976, Mulier originally trained as an architect, something you can still feel in his work today. His designs often have a structural clarity, a precision that shapes the body rather than just dressing it. Before stepping into the spotlight himself, he spent years working alongside Raf Simons, assisting him at Jil Sander, Dior, and Calvin Klein, quietly building a reputation as one of fashion’s most respected creative collaborators.

But it was his appointment as creative director of Alaïa in 2021, becoming the first creative director since Azzedine Alaïa’s passing, that truly revealed the depth of his talent.

With the late Azzedine Alaïa in his Parisian kitchen in 2015.

Taking over a house as legendary as Alaïa is no easy task. The brand has always stood for sculptural silhouettes, technical mastery, and a very particular idea of femininity, strong, sensual, and timeless. What impressed me most about Mulier was his ability to preserve that unmistakable signature while gently modernizing it. His collections never felt like nostalgia, yet they were always unmistakably Alaïa.

I also have a very personal memory connected to Pieter. I met him as guest of NET-A-PORTER when he presented his very first collection for Alaïa and that encounter stayed with me. He is not only incredibly talented, but also genuinely warm, thoughtful and approachable. There is a quiet intelligence about him, a calm confidence that feels very authentic. After meeting him in person, his creations resonated with me even more. Knowing the person behind the work added another layer of meaning.

Visiting the beautiful retrospective of Alaïa designs at 4, rue de Verrerie, 75004 Paris.

Azzedine Alaïa himself, whom I met on several occasions, was also an extraordinary human being, full of generosity and vision. And I truly feel that Pieter understood that legacy, not by copying it, but by translating it into his own language. He honored the spirit of the house while speaking in a voice that was entirely his own.

Display of Pieter’s first collection for Alaïa in store.

On a personal note, one of the changes I appreciated most was the introduction of French size 34. It may sound like a small detail, but for many petite women, myself included, it made the brand significantly more accessible. Suddenly, these beautifully constructed pieces felt not only aspirational but wearable.

My Look: Cocktail Hour (October 2023)

And wearable they were. Over the past five years, Alaïa has easily become one of the labels I’ve purchased the most. Season after season, Mulier delivered designs that felt intelligent, emotional, and incredibly refined. There was always a sense of discipline behind the beauty,  nothing excessive, nothing forced.

My Look: New! (May 2022)

He managed something very few designers achieve: evolution without disruption. New shapes, new proportions, both unmistakably modern.

My Look: Life Is Too Short To Wait (September 2023)

Which is exactly why his move to Versace feels so exciting.

Versace is a house built on confidence, glamour, and bold sexuality, but in recent years, it has arguably lacked a clear creative direction. Donatella Versace, who had been at the helm since 1997, announced her departure as Creative Director in March 2025, transitioning to the role of Chief Brand Ambassador. Her exit marked the end of an era for the brand she helped shape for nearly three decades.

Following her departure, Dario Vitale, formerly the Design and Image Director at Miu Miu, was appointed as Versace’s Creative Director on April 1, 2025. His tenure was notably brief, culminating in a single runway show presented during Milan Fashion Week in September 2025. While some praised his fresh approach, others felt it deviated too far from Versace’s iconic aesthetic. Ultimately, his stint ended in December 2025, just months after it began.

With Pieter Mulier in Paris

Now, with Pieter Mulier stepping in, the brand is poised for a revitalization. His architectural sensibility and respect for brand heritage position him as a promising fit to steer Versace into a new era. If he could balance heritage and innovation so masterfully at Alaïa, imagine what he might do with a brand that thrives on spectacle.

My Look: August (August 2025)

Personally, I cannot wait to see what he creates. Fashion is always at its most thrilling when the right designer meets the right house at exactly the right moment and this feels like one of those moments.

If his time at Alaïa proved anything, it is that Pieter Mulier doesn’t just design clothes. He builds worlds. And I have a strong feeling that Versace is about to become a very exciting one.

LoL, Sandra

My Look: London (April 2023)

My Look: ‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly (December 2024)

My Look: Buttercup Yellow (July 2025)

My Look: Mini (May 2024)

My Look: Mystical NYC (April 2022)

My Look: Burgundy (October 2025)

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

End of an Era at Hermès: Véronique Nichanian Steps Down – What Comes Next?

In a major moment for luxury fashion, Véronique Nichanian (71), the longtime creative force behind Hermès menswear, has officially stepped down, closing one of the most enduring chapters in modern fashion history.

A Legendary Tenure: 37 Years at Hermès

Véronique Nichanian’s career at Hermès is nothing short of extraordinary. Joining the French luxury house in 1988, she built and defined Hermès’s menswear identity from the ground up after being recruited from Cerruti by Jean-Louis Dumas.

Over her 37-year tenure, she became known for a design philosophy rooted in understated elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless sophistication, hallmarks of the Hermès aesthetic. Rather than chasing trends, Nichanian favored subtle refinement: beautifully constructed garments that married functionality with quiet luxury.

Her longevity also made her one of the longest-serving creative directors in fashion, a rare figure of continuity in an industry often defined by rapid change and designer turnover. With a 37-year tenure, Nichanian even surpasses Karl Lagerfeld’s legendary 36-year run at Chanel, making her one of the longest-serving creative directors in modern luxury fashion history.

Nichanian’s final collection for Hermès was presented during the January 2026 runway season, marking the end of an era both for her and for the brand’s menswear division.

Passing the Torch: Grace Wales Bonner Takes Over

Hermès has chosen British designer Grace Wales Bonner as Nichanian’s successor in the menswear creative director role. The announcement marks a bold, yet thoughtful, new chapter for the storied French maison.

At 35 years old, Wales Bonner brings fresh energy and a unique artistic perspective to one of fashion’s most iconic houses. She founded her eponymous label, Wales Bonner, in 2014 and has been celebrated for her work that bridges fashion, culture, and intellectual inquiry — earning awards and global recognition along the way.

Her appointment to Hermès also carries symbolic weight: she becomes one of the few Black women to lead design at a major luxury fashion house, a milestone in an industry still grappling with representation and diversity.

Wales Bonner’s first collection for Hermès is slated to debut in January 2027, giving her an entire year to shape her vision for the brand’s menswear future.

Will It Be a Fresh Wind or a Seamless Transition?

The shift at Hermès is significant not just because of Nichanian’s tenure, but because it highlights Hermès’s careful balance between heritage and evolution.

Nichanian’s legacy is rooted in quiet power, precision tailoring, and a measured, less overtly trend-driven approach. Her work embodied Hermès’s dedication to craftsmanship and enduring style rather than seasonal spectacle.

Grace Wales Bonner’s design ethos, by contrast, leans into cultural narratives, global references, and artistic collaboration, which many expect to inject a fresh creative energy into the house. Her work often explores identity, music, art, and African diaspora influences, which might introduce new dimensions to Hermès menswear without disrupting the brand’s core values.

Fashion industry commentators see this move as potentially expansive rather than disruptive: a way for Hermès to evolve its menswear identity thoughtfully while retaining its signature DNA of refinement and quality.

Looking Ahead

As Hermès prepares for this new creative era, all eyes will be on Wales Bonner’s first runway collection in January 2027. Will it stay true to classic Hermès restraint? Will it redefine the brand’s codes for a new generation? Only time will tell  but the appointment certainly suggests a dynamic future ahead for one of fashion’s most revered maisons.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hermès, © Grace Wales Bonner
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Today, Italian fashion legend Valentino Garavani has passed away at age 93. We will never forget his elegant evening gowns that were favored for decades by some of the world’s most glamorous women. He «peacefully passed away today at his residence in Rome, surrounded by the love of his family,» a statement posted to Instagram said.

I am deeply grateful that I had the honor of knowing him, a truly great designer, defined by class, elegance, and timeless vision. He was one of the true giants of fashion, and he will be profoundly missed.

From founding his maison in Rome to shaping decades of haute couture, his legacy changed fashion forever.

Born in Voghera, Italy on May 11, 1932, he discovered his passion for fashion at a young age. He moved to Paris to study couture and trained in the ateliers of Jean Dessès and Guy Laroche, mastering the discipline and elegance of French haute couture before returning to Italy.

In 1959-60, he founded Maison Valentino in Rome together with Giancarlo Giammetti. Rome became the heart of the house, a place where Italian craftsmanship met timeless glamour. Valentino quickly gained international recognition after presenting his couture collection in Florence in the early 1960s, marking the beginning of his global success.

VOGUE Italia will launch a collectible cover edition to honor Valentino, launching on Feb 27, 2026.

His work became synonymous with absolute elegance, refined femininity, and meticulous craftsmanship. Over the decades, Valentino dressed some of the most iconic women in history, shaping red-carpet culture and defining an unmistakable aesthetic, forever associated with sophistication and the legendary Valentino Red.

«I think that a woman dressed in red is always magnificent.» – Valentino Garavani

In 2008, Valentino retired after a final haute couture show in Rome, closing a historic chapter while leaving behind a legacy that continues to define luxury fashion. Today, Valentino lives on as a house owned by Mayhoola, with Alessandro Michele carrying its creative vision forward.

You will be missed, Maestro, one of the true giants of fashion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Valentino and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

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
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Some collections feel beautiful.
Others feel meaningful.
And then there are rare moments in fashion when beauty, symbolism, heritage, and emotion come together.

With his debut for Dior, Jonathan Anderson opens a new chapter that feels both deeply personal and magically timeless. Born in Northern Ireland, Anderson brings his own cultural roots and sensibility into the house of Dior, subtle, thoughtful, and rich in meaning. At the heart of the collection lies a powerful symbol: the four-leaf clover.

🍀 A Symbol of Luck, Heritage, and Belief

The four-leaf clover is universally known as a sign of good fortune, but here, it carries layered meaning. It is a symbol closely tied to Ireland, a place renowned not only for its landscapes but for its people: authentic, loyal, warm, and deeply human. Ireland has a soul, and that soul quietly runs through this collection.

What makes the clover even more special is its intimate connection to Christian Dior himself. A botanical enthusiast and forever superstitious, Christian Dior always kept a clover in his suit pocket, believing deeply in destiny, superstition, and signs. Jonathan Anderson doesn’t just reference this history, he honors it with sincerity.

 Handbags, Accessories & Dresses That Feel Like Talismans

The craftsmanship across the collection is breathtaking. Handbags become modern talismans, adorned with clover motifs that feel elegant rather than literal. Accessories whisper luck rather than shout it.

For S/S 2026, Jonathan Anderson celebrates this cherished symbol, adding a joyfully decorative touch to the Lady Dior.

Flourishing with four-leaf clovers and adorned with a Ladybird charm, the Lady Dior Clover reflects Christian Dior’s superstitious spirit, crafted with the House’s enduring savoir-faire.

Lady Dior Clover – CHF 9400

Hot-stamped and then hand-embroidered, each clover reflects the House’s exceptional craftsmanship. The piece is completed with the signature «D, I, O, R» charms, an enduring hallmark of the Lady Dior.

I am also completely obsessed with the new small Bow Bag CHF 4200 and the clover charm CHF 510.

The Dior Men Clover Saddle Bag CHF 3500 is already sold out.

I thought I had enough of the Dior Book totes, but not anymore seeing the new Dior Toile de Jouy Clover Book Tote CHF 3200.

Dior Cruise 2026 Look 15

Skirts, shirts flow with a quiet confidence, refined, poetic, and wearable while still unmistakably Dior. This is fashion that doesn’t just dress the body; it speaks to emotion and intention.

Why This Collection Feels So Personal

I love Ireland, not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience. Every time I’m there, I feel grounded, welcomed, and genuinely happy. There’s always laughter, honesty, and a sense that life doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.

Obsessed! Dior Clover S3I sunglasses CHF 570

Seeing those values translated into a Dior collection feels incredibly special. It makes me want to own a piece of it, not just to wear, but to carry as a reminder of joy, luck, and new beginnings.

A Collection for a New Year, Full of Hope

This feels like a collection that brings luck for the year ahead. A reminder that fashion can still believe in magic. That beauty can be symbolic. And that sometimes, the right piece, a bag, a dress, a small clover detail, can feel like a promise.

Jonathan Anderson’s first Dior collection isn’t just a debut.
It’s a blessing. 🍀

LoL, Sandra

How cute are these Dior Bloom Heeled Slide for CHF 1300?!

Also part of the clover inspired collection is jewelry and homeware.

Photos: © Dior
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

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
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Today marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the world of fashion, journalism, and culture. Anna Wintour, an icon in every sense, is stepping down and with her departure, we close a page on one of the most influential editorial reigns of our time.

I had the privilege of meeting Anna on several occasions. Each time, I was struck by her presence – poised, sharp, and always ahead of the curve. She has that rare quality of making a room pause simply by entering it. What impressed me most, however, wasn’t just her signature sunglasses or her legendary editorial instinct, but her quiet discipline and the genuine care she brought to her work and the people she supported behind the scenes.

«Not just a fashion icon – a cultural force.»

Anna’s impact on Vogue and the wider industry can’t be overstated. She redefined fashion journalism, championed emerging designers, and shaped cultural conversations far beyond the glossy pages. She challenged norms, elevated voices, and maintained a standard of excellence that inspired generations.

«37 years of vision, elegance, and change.»

Born in London in 1949, Anna began her career in fashion journalism in the 1970s, working at Harper’s & Queen and New York Magazine. She became Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue in 1988, and her sharp editorial vision turned the magazine into a global cultural authority. Over the years, she helped launch the careers of countless designers and creatives, and brought a unique blend of fashion, politics, and cultural relevance to the forefront.

«Anna Wintour – end of an era, legacy continues.»

Me arriving at the US Vogue headquarters…

Although she is stepping down from her role as Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, she is not leaving Condé Nast. Anna will continue to serve as Global Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director at Vogue, where she will continue to shape the brand’s international direction. The position at American Vogue will be restructured, with a new Head of Editorial Content to be appointed.

... and in the office itself to have breakfast with Anna Wintour and Kim Kardashian.

Her departure is not just the end of a role, but the closing of an era. I’m grateful to have crossed paths with someone whose influence has been as profound as it has been lasting.

Thank you, Anna – for the legacy, the inspiration, and the unforgettable moments.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise

I was thrilled to hear about the appointment of Pierpaolo Piccioli as the new creative director of Balenciaga. Having had the chance to meet him personally, I was deeply impressed not only by his creative vision but also by his warmth and humility. His work at Valentino was nothing short of exceptional — poetic, elegant, and deeply human.

I loved Valentino under Pierpaolo.

With a career spanning over two decades, Pierpaolo began as an accessories designer at Fendi before joining Valentino in 1999. He rose to become co-creative director alongside Maria Grazia Chiuri, and later took the helm as sole creative director in 2016. Under his leadership, Valentino embraced a romantic, emotionally resonant aesthetic that combined timeless beauty with a strong message of inclusivity and humanity.

With Pierpaolo Picciolli and Maria Grazia Chiuri in 2013.

Balenciaga, on the other hand, has long stood for radical innovation, architectural silhouettes, and a provocative spirit. Founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga — a true master of form and construction — the house has never been afraid to challenge norms and push boundaries. It is today owned by the Kering Group.

Balenciaga S/S 2025 Campaign 

Pierpaolo’s arrival marks a fascinating and bold shift. It’s not only a meeting of two strong creative identities — it’s also likely a turning point for Balenciaga itself. After years of dominating the streetwear conversation under the leadership of Demna, who is heading to Gucci, and pushing shock-value aesthetics, this move could signal the end of that era. With Piccioli, we may see a return to emotion, craftsmanship, and elegance — a more refined and soulful vision of luxury.

I believe this is a powerful, forward-thinking decision and an exciting new chapter for both Piccioli and the house of Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and © Balenciaga
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

One week ago, I posted whom I would love to see at Loewe after Jonathan Anderson’s exit had been announced and yesterday the Spanish House fulfilled my prediction: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the duo behind Proenza Schouler, will be taking over as the brand’s new creative directors starting April 7, 2025. They’re stepping in after Jonathan Anderson, who spent 11 years transforming Loewe into a globally respected fashion house with over $1.5 billion in annual revenue.

Their work has been instrumental in shaping modern fashion, with a design practice rooted in a rigorous exploration of craft filtered through an artistic sensibility, which has not only evolved the industry’s landscape but aligns with the values that underscore Loewe’s 179-year heritage.​ This move is also part of a bigger shake-up by Loewe’s parent company, LVMH, as they fine-tune leadership across several luxury labels.

It’s a pretty big shift, and I am curious and excited to see how their American fashion background will influence Loewe’s next chapter.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loewe and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.