As promised, here are the detail shots of the Prada accessories for S/S 2012. Finally a collection that will satisfy both, men and women. Perpetuating a stereotype, the stronger sex is known for its two meaningful relationships in life: Girls and cars. Next summer, Miuccia wrappes the girls in `50s inspired Cadillac car prints and puts their feet on fire. Those clutch bags are just divine. I am completely in love with this hot wheel craziness! And you?
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Prada
During Milan fashion week, the Miu Miu store seemed busier than any other store. The sparkling pumps in glittering shades of royal blue, pink, orange and fuchsia were whisked off to new homes. The fashion editors’s talk of the night…”Which colour did you get?”
Available now in all the brand’s stores.
LoL, Sandra
Today’s post is dedicated to the shoe trends for F/W 2011. After having analyzed dozens of shoes, I am happy to give you an insight of what to get. Good news is that the versatility is gigantic and that every women will find something to love. Round and pike toes are both in vogue, so just stick to your favourite version.
You can shop my must-have selection by clicking on the highlighted designer name.
The shoe of the season is the high-heeled loafer.
My favourite high-heeled loafer is this one by Alexander Wang.
Which heel shape is trendy? All! Spike heels compete with the chunky ones for your desire while wedges remain the stars of the season.
My favourite is this stiletto pumps by Camilla Skovgaard.
It seems that we cannot get enough of the wedge and platform trend. The look has transferred to the winter from last season.
My favourite wedges are the gold ones Yves Saint Laurent.
Patent leather, suede and satin are among designer’s perfered materials for their winter collections. I recommend a vibrant, bold hue.
My favourite is the berry-coloured suede model by Christian Louboutin.
Reptile skins are very trendy this season, with python as the absolute must-have.
My favourite are the patchwork python boots by Missoni.
One more material is worth mentioning: Metallic leather which comes in a large variety of colours and shine, not only suitable for nighttime. Enlighten your day with a pair of glittering heels.
My favourite are the metallic booties by Heather Williams.
Lacing is a sexy detail and has been seen on many runways.
My favourite model with laces is the boot by Balmain.
This winter you should add plenty of buckles to your look as they adorn many shoes.
My favourite is the shearling fur low boot by Etro.
LoL, Sandra
This morning, I left the house in those beautiful Chloé wedges from the S/S 2011 collection and came home in those…
…tulle embellished sandals by H&M. You might ask why did she change shoes?
The reason was that I got the biggest blisters from the Chloé wedges. My feet were honestly in such pain that I draggged myself to the nearest H&M to buy another pair of shoes.
And they are pretty cute, don’t you think?!
Wedges by H&M for CHF 69.90
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
Miu Miu launches its new Sneakers, a brand new addition to the Miu Miu F/W 2011 collection. Made of iconic materials such as patent leather, arabesque lamé and velvet, the Miu Miu Sneakers are decorated with glitter, metal tips, or appliquéd crystals. As there were lots of sparkling materials on the F/W 2011 runways, those shoes are a must for all fashionistas. Coming in various colours including blush, silver, gold and black, the new Sneakers will be available in all the brand’s boutiques and online on miumiu.com starting from August, €295.
LoL, Sandra
My dear readers, I still owe you all those photos from the LuisaViaRoma Firenze4Ever 3rd Edition Total Styling Lab with all the fab pieces from the upcoming F/W 2011 season.
Here is my first look I called „Feather Girl“ because of those amazing shoes, aren’t they divine? It is always a great investment to get a pair of statement shoes as they will make every outfit something special. The Bayswater Mulberry bag has also a beautiful feather print on the leather.
If you don’t have a vest yet, I truly recommend getting one, preferably with some fur embellishments. It is a must this winter!
And last but not least the jumpsuit is definitely back! I know that it can be quite unpractical, you know what I mean… but nevertheless it is such a stylish piece of clothes that you should absolutely consider.
For shopping, just click on the highlighted description below:
Jumpsuit: DSQUARED2 – Shoes: DIEGO DOLCINI
– Bag: MULBERRY
– Necklace: ISAJON – Vest: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN – Watch: ROGER DUBUIS
By the way, isn’t the location on the terrasse overlooking Florence and the Duomo just wonderful? Makes me dream of those wonderful days…
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Ilaria Gambi
When I received Christian Louboutin’s new F/W 2011 lookbook, I could barely resist writing about it the same moment.
Photographer Peter Lippmann and Christian Louboutin, who previously worked together nearly two years ago, seeked inspiration from classic portrait paintings where in each of the pictures one new Louboutin item is featured.
Fashion meets art, a truly beautiful and different idea to present the new collection.
LoL, Sandra
Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin, © Peter Lippmann
Metallics have stayed being a huge trend this season. Gold in particular is everywhere and adorns especially handbags and shoes. Here are my two favourites for this summer. As sale has started almost everywhere, keep an eye on those two investment pieces.
Crafted with a sculptural peaked wedge heel, Yves Saint Laurent’s “Venice” gold leather sandals are sure to top every fashionista’s wish list. Complement the luxe hue with rich jewel tones and a statement ring to complete a glamorous evening look.
Add high-shine polish to your cocktail wardrobe with Gucci’s shimmering “Malika” metallic python leather clutch bag. Carry this trophy piece after dark to create this exciting new-season style. You might need nothing else…
LoL, Sandra
Bally, which celebrates its 160th anniversary this year, came up with a very practical and cute idea: The Bally-Rina collection. Consisiting of matching totes and ballet flats, it epitomises effortless summer flair and versatility. Available in a range of understated summer colours, the bags and shoes retail for CHF 275.- each and are available in-store now.
I especially like the Bally-Rina logo that is inspired by the artwork from an original Villemont poster housed in the archive of the Swiss brand. Bernard Villemont (1911-1989) was a French graphic artist known primarily for his iconic advertising images.
LoL, Sandra
Bally Pink Shoes
Bally Kick
Meet Havva Mustafa, the mastermind behind the new luxury footwear brand HAVVA. Born into a family of third generation footwear artisans and designers, and growing up with the curious shapes of patterns, lasts and heels – Havva’s interest and passion for footwear was stirred from a very early age.
Determined to preserve the family heritage and knowledge Havva followed in her father’s footsteps and studied at the prestigious Cordwainers Footwear College in London. Gaining invaluable experience she nevertheless became increasingly frustrated by the constraints and lack of vision encountered. When wearing shoes of her own designs she was frequently stopped in the streets and realised that she wanted to share her passion. She set about making that dream a reality and launched HAVVA in 2009, with the support and backing of her family who all contribute to the brands existence.
HAVVA shoes are truly precious objects of desire. Please find below an interesting interview that the beautiful designer gave Sandra’s Closet:
1.You were born into a family of footwear artisans and designers. Did your family want you to follow in their footsteps? How has the experience that you have gained from a very early age helped you?
I remember growing up, I was constantly surrounded by shoes, around the dinner table normal conversation was, what leather, last or season trend was going to be appearing. My father and grandfather have always been in the shoe trade, I think it became second nature; it was always something I was going to go into, and wouldn’t change it for the world. As I grew up- my shoe collection gradually expanded until there was no space left- as you can image for a girl it was heaven. Going on holidays would never be the same if we didn’t stop in a few shops to check out the footwear, so I gained a great back round knowledge of the industry before I even went into it.
2. You studied at the prestigious Cordwainers Footwear College in London. How did you like the studies?
Studying there was great, I learnt from design to making which I think is very important to be able to know how the final product will be created. I made fantastic friends who are also in the shoe trade and we meet up all around the world.
3. Nicholas Kirkwood, who became very well known for his shoe designs, studied at Cordwainers, too. I recently did an interview with him. Have you ever met him?
No I haven’t but I would love to, his designs are amazing-what an imagination.
4. Could you imagine to do different collaborations with other fashion houses like he does? If so, which fashion house would be your prefered one to design shoes for?
I think collaboration is a brilliant idea. The creativity that you combine with a fashion house can produce beautiful creations. One of them would be Miu Miu- the shoes are fun and unique and every season I look forward to their collections.
5. Is there any other shoe designer that you admire? And why?
Rupert Sanderson’s footwear is pretty amazing; it’s great to see every brand has their own unique touch.
6. If you were able to dress the feet of a famous lady? Which ones would that be?
Dita Von Teese- she has such a unique style.
7. I like the idea of creating shoes inspired by modernist architecture. Your designs are very special. How did you come up with this?
My younger brother is an architecture student and I was flicking through his books and saw these amazing shaped 1960s buildings. All of these shapes and designs represented progress and ‘moving forward.’ They symbolized to the people around them that everything, including architecture, was moving forward in some way or another.
The spiral staircase, Buhrich house, 1960, designed by architect Hugh Buhrich demonstrates the curve and shape that inspired Loretta, the swirling shoe boot with elements of the patterns from the 60s.
The design of the Hotel and Restaurant Astoria in Trondheim included various versions of the cone chairs lending itself to Gloria with the geometric lines and side scroll.
The Philips Pavilion designed by the office of Le Corbusier, had strong dynamically-angled contours, geometrical architectural sharp lines and pointing asymmetrical lines takes the form of the style Rene with its intricate diamond design.
The St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chicago is somewhat famous for its marching walls of blue diamonds and the architectural feature of a pediment in the shape of waves took to the patchwork layers of Venus- wave roofing’s and detailing was a feature of the 1960s architecture. The high shine leather metallic mix was a tribute to the futuristic movement called Googie.
8. Do you have a shoe no-go?
Shoes that don’t fit! It can ruin such a beautiful silhouette of a shoe. And always get your soles and especially your heels repaired-when i see a heel bending and the top piece has totally worn away into the actual heel its terrible.
9. Havva Mustafa in three words.
The person- Passionate, creative and bubbly.
The brand- Infinitely, lavish and innovative.
10. What are your plans for the future?
I hope that the HAVVA brand just carries on expanding and we become a known brand for creating beautiful footwear.
Havva’s amazing accessories collection for S/S 2011 includes beautiful headpieces.
I am sure that we will see much more of Havva Mustafa in the future! For store locations, please click here. Good luck, Havva! I am already a big fan of yours.
LoL, Sandra
