Sandra‘s Closet

LVMH has appointed Off-White designer Virgil Abloh, who came to prominence as Kanye West’s creative director, to lead men’s design at Louis Vuitton. His first show for one of the oldest and most powerful European houses in the luxury business will take place in June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

The appointment, widely rumoured in recent months, follows the departure of Kim Jones, Abloh’s predecessor at Louis Vuitton, in January. Last week, it was announced that Jones would become the men’s designer at LVMH-owned Christian Dior, replacing Kris van Assche.

Kim Jones, Abloh’s predecessor at Louis Vuitton is now at LVMH-owned Christian Dior.

“Having followed with great interest Virgil’s ascent since he worked with me at Fendi in 2006, I am thrilled to see how his innate creativity and disruptive approach have made him so relevant, not just in the world of fashion but in popular culture today. His sensibility towards luxury and savoir-faire will be instrumental in taking Louis Vuitton’s menswear into the future,” said Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton’s Chairman & CEO.

Virgil Abloh with Naomi Campbell at his Off-White™ S/S 2018 show.

“It is an honor for me to accept the position of Men’s Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton. I find the heritage and creative integrity of the House are key inspirations and will look to reference them both while drawing parallels to modern times,” stated Virgil Abloh.

Who is Virgil Abloh?

Born in Rockford, Illinois in 1980, Virgil Abloh is an artist, architect, engineer, creative director, and designer. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin Madison, he completed a Master´s Degree in Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in a curriculum founded by Mies van der Rohe. It was here that he learned not only about modernist design principles but also about the concept of multi-disciplinary working.

Virgil Abloh’s brand Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ was started in 2012 as an artwork titled “PYREX VISION.” In 2013, the brand premiered a seasonal men’s and women’s fashion label showing runway collections during Paris Fashion Week since 2015. Abloh has also presented his work at major design institutions around the globe by the likes of Harvard Graduate School of Design, Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and the Rhode Island School of Design.

In 2019 he will have a major exhibition of past and current work at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago, Illinois. In 2015, Virgil Abloh for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh™ is among the finalists of the LVMH Prize. He has been awarded various prizes, most recently winning the British Fashion Awards Urban Luxe award and International Designer of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2017.

Off-White™ S/S 2018

 For Off-White™ ‘s S/S 2018 collection, Virgil re-imagines what Princess Diana’s wardrobe would look like if she were alive today – right down to the much-anticipated shoe collaboration with Jimmy Choo, which is available to shop here.

Plastic-covered stilettos:  Jimmy Choo x Off-White collaboration campaign image.

Get the look: Crepe blazer, crepe mini skirt, Diana silver-tone crystal clip earrings, and C/O Jimmy Choo Anne 100 PVC-wrapped satin pumps, all by Off-White™.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton, © Fabien Montique, Courtesy of Pyrexforsale and Off-White™

Instead of a runway show this year, creative director Demna Gvasalia headed to the streets to recruit fellow citizens of Zurich (he moved his headquarters to Switzerland  last year – for the previous post click here), to model for VETEMENTS‘ S/S 2018 lookbook. The casting was done by Swiss agency streetcasting.ch. Everyone seemed enthusiastic about the idea, with models including sulky teenagers, an accountant, an heiress and a motorbike enthusiast, to name a few.

Each “model” struck a pose in the designer’s latest creations and was photographed by himself, including various logo-printed pieces such as jeans and plateau ankle boots, and stand-out styles from the label’s latest collaborations with DHL, Tommy Hilfiger and Umbro. Try mixing one of the long dresses with a pair of oversized sneakers and a cap for a lookbook-worthy style. Oh, and don’t forget socks. To shop, click on the highlighted text to be transfered to the respective online shop.

Vetements x DHL, from left to right: DHL printed cotton shirt dress and DHL printed cotton T-shirt.

Vetements x Tommy Hilfiger, from left to right: Oversized hoodie in red and white.

Vetements Zürich, on her from left to right: Hooded contrast-panel emoji-print dress and embroidered cotton-blend sweatshirt.

Vetemens x Reebok, from left to right: Hooded emoji-print crepe de Chine dress, Granny small bag and x Reebok cotton-blend socks.

Vetements x Umbro: long-sleeved cotton-jersey top.

THE VETEMENTS STORY

VETEMENTS is the tongue-in-cheek design collective that shot to world renown and cult status thanks to its reputation as the ultimate «fashion disruptor». Led by creative director Demna Gvasalia, the troupe of talents are putting a new spin on chic. Having honed their friendship as well as their craft at Margiela, they are using VETEMENTS to question the very essence of fashion.

Even that I haven’t understood it yet, meaning I have not even one VETEMENTS piece in my closet, I think, Demna is a genius and I adore his work for Balenciaga incredibly.

TO SHOP VETEMENTS ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.
VETEMENTS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN SWITZERLAND AT TROIS POMMES.

Enjoy some more photos of the S/S 2018 lookbook below. I am just wondering how foreigners will picture Swiss people after having seen this.

LoL (this week for the second time laughing out loud literally), Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of VETEMENTS, © Demna Gvasalia

The legendary Vienna Opera Ball, that started in 1877 under Emperor Francis Joseph, is considered as the highlight of the social calendar in the Austrian capital and usually takes place on the last Thursday of the carnival season. The city of waltzes celebrates more than 450 balls each year but as far as glamour goes, the Vienna Opera Ball is up there with the BAFTAs and the Met Ball. For the event, the State Opera is transformed into the most festive, imposing and high-profile ballroom in the world where important politicians, entrepreneurs, royals, artists, and well-known celebrities from all over the world dance the night away.

 Each year, around 5.500 guests attend. Renowned designers are regularly involved in running the show: this year, Dolce & Gabbana designed the tiara for the around 300 debutantes, that will kick off the Opera ball. After they have finished, the master of ceremony announces: Alles Walzer! (All waltz!). When you hear this and Johann Strauss’ waltz «On The Beautiful Blue Danube», you know that you are allowed to enter the dance floor.

Nevertheless when it comes to the dress code, there is a huge difference. It is much stricter and more old-fashioned than compared to other galas.

The following dress code applies to the Vienna Opera
Ladies: Long Evening Gown
Gentlemen: Tailcoat

What sounds simple at first, is associated with some pitfalls, because if you do not follow the dress code, the access to the ball will be denied.

For the ladies:

long gown (at least ankle length)
no cocktail dress
wide skirt – no body-con dresses (very important)
cleavage: not too deep
no wristwatch – only a jewelry watch

For the men:

tailcoat (elegant evening suit with waist-short jacket and «swallowtail»)
no tuxedo, no simple suit
no tie
«Mascherl» bow tie (white)

I am so excited to attend this amazing event on the 8th of February this year and will practice my Vienna waltz dancing skills. Therefore I need a gown in which I will be able to move and which honors the dress code. Not so easy…

Here are my favorite choices, which one do you prefer?

Lace-insert pleated georgette gown by Elie Saab

Glen sleeved embroidered dress by Temperley London

Graphic floral-print organza-silk gown by Dolce & Gabbana
Draped front strapless fil-coupé and tulle gown by Delpozo

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Vienna Opera Ball, APA, © Swarovski

Marking 15 years of fine watchmaking, the French Maison launches its first all-black Tambour, contributing to an industry-wide «noir moment». Created in 2002, the Tambour marked Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking debut. The timepiece is identifiable by its unique shape and design, engraved in the steel, the 12 letters of the name Louis Vuitton encircle the case like the 12 hours on the dial. The watch itself appears to be sculpted directly from a block of metal, evoking a sense of strength and solidity.

The new entirely matte black timepiece comes with a noble aesthetic, the perfect accessory for men (or ladies) who travel, for men who love refined, contemporary, urban objects. The Tambour All Black comes in two versions with interchangeable straps fitted with Louis Vuitton’s innovative patented system. At twelve o’clock, the dial bears the famous V signature invented by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in 1901 to adorn the famous Steamer Bag.

The Tambour All Black Chronographe gives the watch a sporty feel while retaining its elegance: a new instrument housed in an imposing 46 mm case, driven by a self-winding caliber. The crown is in steel, overmoulded with black rubber for more drive.

The Tambour All Black Petite Seconde has an understated, sophisticated look. The small second function nestles at 6 o’clock, at the heart of a 41,5 mm case powered by a self-winding movement.
Raised to the ranks of an icon fifteen years after its creation, the Tambour remains on-trend with this All Black version presenting a restrained, contemporary and masculine design.

Those two models would be a great choice to join the powerful trend towards all-black watches. Enjoy the last day of the year…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Ladies, are you also desperate in finding great gift ideas for your better half?! Men are so hard to gift. Yes, I know a Ferrari would just be enough but if your wallet doesn’t allow the yacht or the private jet, here is an idea!

To celebrate the magic of the holiday season, Ermenegildo Zegna presents Zegna’s Toyz, an exclusive collection of modern gift ideas in PELLE TESSUTA™, the innovative woven leather fabric made from extremely thin strips of micro leather in place of fabric yarns.

Zegna’s Toyz features a wide range of home, travel and gaming products all made in Pelle Tessuta. The items are dedicated to the modern man for three different moments of his life:

“Essential” is a collection of small leather goods for the gentleman’s business life and includes, among other things, a valet box, a business card case and a sunglasses case.

“Toys” is a selection of leisure and entertainment travel games, which includes a domino set, a playing card set and a game cube.

The “Technological” offer consists of a series of multimedia accessories, such as headphones and speakers, created in collaboration with Master & Dynamic, the premium audio brand known for its sophisticated sound tools.

Zegna’s Toyz: contemporary gifts for distinctive men. Available now in Zegna stores worldwide and online.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Zegna

Finally we know what to expect on November 2, 2017, when Erdem‘s collaboration with Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M will hit the stores. It’s full of tweeds, animal prints and of course so many florals, everything the London-based designer is known for.

The lookbook, that you can enjoy below, was photographed by Michal Pudelka, who is known for his dreamy fashion campaigns. I am sure that you will agree now that we’re finally getting a glimpse at what, exactly, the Erdem collection will include, it’s safe to say that it doesn’t disappoint at all.

For the first time, the retailer’s designer collaborations will include men’s wardrobe offerings, which is also marking Erdem’s menswear debut at the same time!

I love this collaboration and it is truly hard to decide what to get as everything is beautiful. My personal favorites are those ones shown in the collage above… and yours?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M

My avid readers know how much I love Munich, the city I lived in for eight years and the place where many important events in my life took place. Every little corner holds a memory. Therefore I was over the moon when HUBLOT invited me to join them for a «Wiesn Gaudi» to celebrate the launch of the amazing BIG BANG BAVARIA in bronze. Two renowned houses, HUBLOT & MEINDL, have joined forces to fuse innovation and tradition to celebrate Bavarian craftmanship and what could be more appropriate to present this «Art of Fushion» during the world’s most renowned festival—Oktoberfest?!

Traditions provide new generations with a unique way of reconnecting with their identity, it is why they last. Braudel said that in order to hope, in order to move forward, we also need to know where we come from.The Big Bang Bavaria is a concentration of history and traditions.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot

When I arrived, I was brought directly to my hotel, Roomers Munich, which celebrated its soft opening during those days. Unfortunately, there was no time for me to change as the minute I entered the lobby, I had to leave immediately due to a fire alarm. What a pity!

In my beautiful room waited a surprise for me: a MEINDL dirndl that features ultra soft buckskin, the iconic material MEINDL has been relentlessly working with for many decades on its traditional production.

With Ricardo Guadalupe enjoying the first beer after the unveiling of the Big Bang Bavaria.

As if I had a premonition of what was to come, I was dressed already in Bavarian style and ready to go to the HUBLOT Boutique on Munich’s prestigious Maximilianstrasse where the BIG BANG BAVARIA was unveiled at 4pm on the dot in true «Wiesn» spirit with Markus Meindl, CEO of Meindl, present uttering the cry «O’zapft is», Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, opened the first barrel of the event just like at the Oktoberfest. It took three taps of the mallet to get the beer flowing.

«O’zapft is» – Markus Meindl and Ricardo Guadalupe

But how does the new watch look like? Cut from bronze, a material created in 3000 BC that has the advantages of non-magnetism, resistance to corrosion and a unique appearance, it is strapped onto two robust, hand-embroidered bracelets in deer leather.

Centuries of expertise and tradition lie behind the BIG BANG BAVARIA strap. Firstly, the craftsmanship of a family that has been passing down its passion for leather from father to son since 1683. The BIG BANG BAVARIA strap is reminiscent of the «Lederhosen», the short leather breeches that originated in Bavaria and have been the traditional clothing of the mountain people since the 18th century.

Just like the garment from which the strap draws inspiration, it is cut in deer leather and hand-embroidered with a pattern only possible to create on deer leather. Traditional sewing gives a 3D effect to the leather tanned using the MEINDL tradition.

It takes 3 to 4 months to tan the hide using an age-old technique. The hides are salted then plunged into a limestone-based liquid before being washed, then treated by hand with cod-liver oil and dried. The last two steps are repeated several times until the leather is entirely soaked with the oil. The hide is left to dry in the sun to develop a light brown colour. To bring out the velvet character of the leather is then rubber with sandpaper. MEINDL then applies and brushes the leather with several tropical wood bark colorants, a procedure repeated up to 5 times. The products used are all without preservatives or chemicals to respect nature.

Big Bang Bavaria version one

Delivered with two «One Click» straps, the BIG BANG BAVARIA easily changes its look thanks to its patented attachment system. There’s a version with a cuff in natural light brown deer leather, enhanced by two leather tabs embroidered with a deer head. The second version comes in «altsalzburg» (black-brown)-coloured deer leather, embroidered with oak leaves.

Big Bang Bavaria version two

The BIG BANG BAVARIA beats to the rhythm of Unico, the Hublot manufacture movement, with 330 components for a 72-hour power reserve—a self-winding bidirectional movement with a flyback chronograph and a column wheel on the side of the dial.

The BIG BANG BAVARIA is available now in the Hublot Boutiques (88 all around the world) in a limited edition of 100 pieces for  CHF 26900 / € 27900.

After our first beer in the boutique, we went to the one & only Käfer’s-Wiesn-Schänke – a must at the Oktoberfest – also for HUBLOT! While enjoying the iconic Bavarian «Schmankerl», the crispy duck and knödel (dumplings), I was singing to the amusement of my table-mates (all from the countries) to all the German songs played by the live band. But no worries, I can be pretty contagious and finally we were all  standing on the seats, dancing the night away.

Such a great piece but unfortunately a little too big on me… 

One of those trips I will always remember and a new memory added to one of my favorite cities. Thank you Hublot! Please create a BIG BANG BAVARIA in dirndl-style. I am convinced I would not be the only one loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

It is always a pleasure to be invited by Montblanc to one of their special events. This summer, it was Florence calling for the launch of the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection which takes its inspiration from safari travel and exploration.

With this beautiful vegetable-tanned leather collection that is finished with vintage gold hardware for the modern adventurer, Montblanc continues their story of innovation.
So gentlemen, whether you plan an excursion to the sandy dunes of Sahara or a safari to the plains of East Africa, this line is for you.

If you are rather an urban nomad, you will love those 1926 Montblanc Heritage piece as well as they offer an extremely chic and stylish way to carry personal items or technology around the city.

Ladies adventurers: Divine Bonga, PR Montblanc, and my humble self, exploring the launch event.

I am absolutely convinced that many ladies will fall for its vintage feel and the earthy, easy to combine desert hues, too. At the latest, when they spot the bright red printed lining that is inspired by the vibrant fabrics worn by the regal Maasai tribe.

Dubbed the Heritage 1926 collection in recognition of the year Montblanc added leather goods to its business with a small collection of pen cases, the new range features backpacks of different sizes, portfolios, document holders and brief cases, as well as a mid-size weekender and some fine stationery.

Hugh Jackman with me

The launch party took place at Europe’s largest private garden. Italian hospitality at its best with great music, fine food, beautiful displays to create a whole world around the new collection and a special guest that is a true adventurer: Montblanc ambassador Hugh Jackman who had flown in for this special occasion.

An Italian worker explaining how the tanning process of the leather works.

Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal explained to me that for the first time, Montblanc has been using traditional Tuscan vegetable-tanned leather that will take on a patina with age. An early trend for next summer has been spotted at Pitti Uomo, the biannual menswear and accessories trade fair in Florence: Seventies-style bohemianism that plays exactly with that vintage feel that makes the products genuinely personal.

At Montblanc’s manufacture in Tuscany where the leather goods are produced.

The morning after the launch party, I visited the Montblanc manufacture in Tuscany and saw with my own eyes the leather craftsmanship that goes into each of those pieces. I was extremely impressed by the different steps that have to be applied in order to achieve the antique gold color finishing of the metal fittings or the bridge and clasp closing systems.

I am sure that the new 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection will be a full success among all gentlemen and ladies adventurers. Below you can enjoy some more of my impressions of this fantastic event in Florence …

LoL, Sandra

At the launch event in Florence dressed in Gucci.

The evening started with a cocktail reception in the largest private garden in Europe.

Every little detail was perfect.

Mr Hugh Jackman had fun as we did!

On our way inside the tent where dinner was served, we felt like adventurers on a safari.

You could feel the mood behind the collection perfectly.

Seated dinner

Beautiful ambiance

Pieces from the 1926 Montblanc Heritage Collection on display.

Photos in Collage/Still: © Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Montblanc
All other photos from the event: © Sandra Bauknecht

What happens when a cigar maker fuses with a watchmaker?!
They create the «Art of Fushion» und come up with something very special. HUBLOT celebrates 20 years of the most sought after cigar “The Fuente Fuente Opus X’’ with a Classic Fusion collection of three limited edition pieces.

«For any cigar connoisseur, the Fuente Fuente Opus X is an absolute reference, as much in terms of its remarkable flavour as in the quality of its execution. A quest for the finest products and for manufacturing excellence with which we at Hublot totally identify. We are very happy to be able to join in the celebrations of the two decades of this exceptional puro through our third collaboration with the Arturo Fuente house.
A partnership that is rolling along nicely!»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot

“The rarest cigar in the world” according to purists, the Fuente Fuente Opus X is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It started in 1980 when Carlos Fuente set up his cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, near the town of Santiago against everyone’s advice. It was here where, after several attempts, he and his family succeeded in growing tobacco plants that produced wrapper leaf of the highest quality, with a uniquely powerful and rich flavour. He was profoundly confident of achieving this result as the place bore a strange resemblance to the “Pinar del Rio”, the valley in which the best tobacco is grown in Cuba. Thus was born the “Chateau de la Fuente”, the first of the Fuente factories on Hispaniola, the continuity of the Fuente & Cie business that his grandfather had founded in Cuba in 1912.

To celebrate this success, he decided to produce the king of cigars, for which no concession would be made in terms of quality: the Fuente Fuente Opus X. This began with the labour: before being authorised to work on this project, the “torcedores”—the cigar rollers—had to undergo an additional 10 months of specific training.

They had to be capable of meeting Don Fuente’s requirements: the cigar had to be composed of 9 leaves of tobacco, while other factories would make do with 5 for their prestigious models (one for the wrapper, one for the binder and then 3 more leaves for the filler, the heart of the cigar). Once rolled, they were then “laid down” for at least 2 years before export to let their different aromas blend harmoniously through maturation.

Carlitos Fuente in front of the Opus X production room.

Carlos Fuente shares the inspiration that guided him: «I wanted to reproduce something that already existed in my memory. I wanted to go back in time, to my childhood. I wanted to go back to the happiest episodes of my life. I wanted my grandfather to be proud of me, my father too, and for my children to be so too one day. It was something that I owed to myself to do.» 20 years later, the Fuente Fuente Opus X has achieved success among connoisseurs, who fall over themselves to get hold of it.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Carlito Fuente

The partnership between the watchmaker in Nyon and the Arturo Fuente cigar maker first saw the light in 2012, on the occasion of the Fuente Foundation’s centenary. It is the result of a friendship between the men presiding over the destiny of two houses which share common values of meticulousness, manufacture, selection of the finest materials, production organised into workshops and, of course the quest for excellence. This partnership has already produced two horological creations.

It is therefore perfectly natural today for Hublot to choose to join the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Opus X, by launching three commemorative watches in limited editions, marking the third collaboration between the two brands. These three Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Fuente 20th Anniversary Special Edition models will be limited to a production of 20 watches each.

The first has a 45-mm case in satin-finished black ceramic. Its bezel is cut from the same material. Its sumptuous blue dial is adorned with the famous X decorating the rings of the legendary puro, doubled for the occasion to become the number 20 in Roman numerals. It is topped by red gold plated hands and indexes with a “20 Years” mention apposed at 6 o’clock. Its back is engraved with an exclusive illustration of the Fuente family with the “Château de la Fuente, Fuente Fuente Opus X 20 Years” mention, as well the model’s limited edition series number. Its black alligator strap is lined with rubber to provide the wearer greater comfort.

The second version has sublime livery in brushed titanium. Its case and bezel are finely embossed with engravings reproducing tobacco leaf motifs interlinked into the letter X. The engravings on its back are partially lacquered in blue. The strap in grey alligator, with a deployant buckle clasp, is stitched in blue and is also lined with rubber.

The third version is in King Gold, the precious red gold developed by the Hublot house. It has the same engravings and features as the titanium model, while adding a brown strap.

All three feature the HUB1112 calibre, an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. They are delivered in a case that serves as a humidor, a cigar box specially designed by Hublot so as to regulate the humidity and allow the correct conservation of the modules.

I really like this Art of Fushion!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

Looking for a stylish summer cover-up? Silk robe coats are the way to go, like a fashionable dream come true. Being both, extremely stylish and comfortable, they are perfect for this seemingly effortless genuine look. My favorite combination? Wearing it with a simple tank and my favorite jeans. This street-style approved trick often comes with billowing toppers that are inspired by traditional Japanese kimonos as seen on Attico designer, Giorgia Tordini, who proves that a silk bathrobe is best worn out of bed.

Get the look: Liza Var embroidered printed silk-satin wrap robe and Rosa high-rise flared jeans, both by Attico, Biggins matte-satin camisole by The Row, Cabana studded leather tote by Valentino and Portofino suede sandals by Gianvito Rossi.

To keep it from skewing too boudoir, simply opt for a version with a bit more heft and wear it open, loosely cinched at the waist or with a leather belt. So before you reach for that bomber, biker or cargo jacket, consider the silk robe coats below.

1 Raquel parrot-embellished wrap dress by Attico (40% off on sale)
2 Floral-printed silk coat by Dolce & Gabbana (40% off on sale)
3 Satin robe by Balenciaga (30% off on sale)
4 Floral kimono-style robe by Zara
5 Mulberry silk robe by Burberry (30% off on sale)
6 Capability silk robe by Olivia von Halle (30% off on sale)
7 One of a kind silk kimono by Rianna + Nina

The whole wearing pajamas as real-life, out-of-bed-clothes thing has been having an intense moment over the last couple of months, maybe for obvious reasons: when a trend prioritizes comfort and ease, it’s easy to get behind. And gentlemen you are in it, too! Jared Leto proves how gorgeous he looks in this embroidered patchwork reversible coat by Gucci.

Happy Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via Vogue.com