Sandra‘s Closet

There is so much hype about the release of the Louis Vuitton and Nike «Air Force 1» designed by Virgil Abloh. Now, finally in June 2022, 9 editions of the sneaker – first presented as part of the S/S 2022 Men’s Collection – will be launched globally through an inclusive digital activation, with members of the Maison’s community offered early access to order the shoes.

Until May 31, 2022, the 47 editions of the «Air Force 1» imagined by Virgil Abloh were exhibited to the public in the showcase Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh in New York City. This event coincided with a number of corresponding art installations around the city. Manufactured in the Maison’s Manufacture in Fiesso d’Artico, Venice, Italy, each design fuses the sneaker’s original codes with the Maison’s finest leather, materials and insignia of Louis Vuitton, and the distinctive visual grammar of Virgil Abloh.

Celebrating its 40th year, the classic Nike «Air Force 1» was designed in 1982 and is one of the most successful shoes ever created. A cultural symbol in its own right, Virgil Abloh viewed the sneaker as an objet d’art emblematic of self-generated cultural provenance. The 47 expressions of the Nike «Air Force 1»  were created for a Louis Vuitton collection rooted in the Amen Break, a little-known drum break of a B-side created by the funk-soul group The Winstons in 1969, which would be sampled and go on to underpin the hip-hop and jungle genres, and splinter into thousands of the pop tracks most familiar to us today.

In June 2021, Virgil Abloh explained his approach: «The Air Force 1 is a sample like the Amen Break. A t-shirt is an ‘Amen Break’, a suit is an ‘Amen Break’. We’re all iterating on the same ideas. But, in my canon, the Air Force 1 puts the edge on the blade. This object happened way before me, but to get to a context where it’s adjacent to the t-shirt and the suit, its logic has been forty years in the making,» he said.

In February 2022, 200 pairs of the sneaker designs were sold at auction, to benefit The Virgil Abloh™ «Post-Modern» Scholarship Fund.

The 9 editions selected for Louis Vuitton in-store release cover mid-tops (EUR 2,500) and low-tops (EUR 2,000), and will be made available in Nike sizes ranging from 3.5 to 18. The launch includes the classic all-white sneaker embossed with the Louis Vuitton Monogram, and a riff on the same design in black suede. Two-tone editions in white with either green, red or blue detailing nod at the rainbow motif key to the work of Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton. Likewise, a metallic gold sneaker pays homage to the designer’s debut collection for the Maison, while patchworked multi-colour renditions celebrate his distinct graphic language.

Finally, a Damier edition is adorned with a «Louis Vuitton» graffiti motif created by the artist Ghusto Leone. The full launch includes:

• White mid-top in Monogram embossed plain calf leather.
• White low-top in Monogram embossed plain calf leather.
• Black low-top in Monogram embossed calf suede.
• White and Gym Green low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather.
• White and Comet Red low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather
• White and Team Royal Blue low-top in a trompe-l’oeil canvas executed in printed Monogram leather and Monogram embossed calf leather
• Gold low-top in Monogram embossed metallic canvas.
• Silver and multi-colour patchwork low-top in Monogram embossed calf suede and monogram embossed metallic canvas.
• Sail and Multicolor mid-top in Damier leather with an Azur graffiti print (available in sizes 5-18)

As a way of building bridges between countries and cultures, the late Virgil Abloh merged the worlds of high fashion and streetwear. The Louis Vuitton and Nike “Air Force 1” by Virgil Abloh can be seen as another unifying motif. Hard to get your hands on, but absolutely worth it! It is a piece of fashion history. I attached for you the making of the sneakers. So interesting to experience the craftsmanship going into the shoes.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton / Nike
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Another year, another adventure! Follow Christian Louboutin as he embarks on a modern-day Odyssey through Athens and the Cyclades.

Playing tour guide to the designer, Mrs. Tependris, and her faithful poodle Pepe – created by Konstantin Kakanias, Christian’s dear friend and multi-faceted artist and illustrator.

Inspired by the land and the sea, the two limited-edition styles of Greekaba also play out in a variety of sizes and silhouettes. A rich artwork that tributes to the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the Mediterranean.

You didn’t think they’d forget the shoes, did you? Explore the capsule that puts Greece’s rich cultural heritage firmly in the spotlight.

Consider this your one-way ticket to Greece!
To shop Christian Louboutin online, click here please.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
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A fresh talent reflecting new horizons and showcasing different perspectives. Prada collaborates with the artist Cassius Hirst – known as Cass – to imagine the Prada America’s Cup sneaker anew, through a customised capsule collection of four styles, in 22 variables.

«I was painting shoes, taking photos, and turning those photos into complex vinyl stencils that became abstract designs. I would mask off part of the body of the shoe, and then wrap the whole shoe in the stencil. It looked crazy. I sent a photo to my dad [Damien Hirst], and then he sent a photo of that to Miuccia [Prada]. And she said, «This looks amazing, let’s do something» The best part about this project – this collaboration – was how willing Prada are to invest their time, to be open to ideas, to challenges. And to really commit to something new.» said Cassius Hirst.

Cassius Hirst painted his first pair of sneakers when he was 14 – a gift for his father, the artist Damien Hirst. Growing up in a household where exposure to art was inevitable, sneakers became his canvas: sculptural objects whose topographies were reworked through hand spray-painting, no two pairs exactly alike. His work has garnered a cult following, purchased by the likes of A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti, Offset, Rihanna, AJ Tracey and the late Virgil Abloh.

«The Cass x Prada collection finds parallels between the bold work of this fresh talent and the heritage of Prada – the sense of the hand, an excellence in manufacture, a constant search for innovation, a restless urge to re-examine and reinvent our history. Here, the iconic silhouette of the Prada America’s Cup sneaker becomes a canvas for creation, offered in a special capsule. Something unique, something new.» said Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group Marketing Director and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

In a unique project with Prada Linea Rossa, Cassius collaborates to reinvent the America’s Cup sneaker across a full range of special pieces, reconfiguring its distinct surfaces to rework a 20th century design classic for a 21st century generation. The capsule is showcased in a still and motion- image campaign by Axel Morin – a surreal performance invading a pristine space, showcasing the Cass x Prada sneaker styles and custom-made, one-of-a-kind masks – each character simultaneously anonymous, yet unique. The soundtrack to the campaign film features music specially created by Cass.

The four Cass x Prada sneaker styles draw their names from the world of music, reflective of the interests of Cassius and the passions of his fans. ATT4CK, D3CAY, SUST4IN, REL3ASE are all named after the ‘envelope‘ or life of a sound, the stages of its evolution, reflecting this new evolution of the America’s Cup sneaker. The title of each style suggests their look and feel: the hard-edged, molded spikes of ATT4CK, sprayed with neon; the distressed leather of D3CAY, stripped and intentionally faded; the solid brights of SUST4IN, with overpainted white relief details; and the neon- spray finish of REL3ASE.

All styles are hand-worked in Italy by Prada in a meshing of traditional craft and cutting-edge imagination – wholly unique, no two pairs exactly alike, with signature labels each with a distinct CASS signature. Each pair is sold in a co-branded Prada box, featuring the logo of Cassius Hirst – a scan of his brain.

«The brain scan represents hope and knowledge in a world of shadows and uncertainty. The brain is where the thoughts happen – for me it all became about creativity and the creative process. I’ve learned that sometimes we have to look inside ourselves to see what’s really going on. We shouldn’t be afraid of that.» declared Cassius Hirst.

At the core of each of the Cass x Prada styles is the iconic America’s Cup sneaker: invented in the late ’90s for the sailing crew of the Luna Rossa, in all-leather, or leather with distinctive cross-hatched breathable bike fabric inserts. Ergonomic, technically innovative, the silhouette is immediately recognizable – the perfect canvas for seemingly endless reinvention.

The Cass x Prada collection is an edition limited to 3,000 pairs globally, sold through a selection of Prada boutiques and via prada.com.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada
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Created by Virgil Abloh and part of his Pre-Fall 2022 collection silhouette, this male wardrobe essential has been refreshed for Louis Vuitton. Available in two versions, the aptly-named LV Driver is the most contemporary driving moccasin yet.

Two material combinations are offered. The first model boasts Monogram grained calfskin, creating a play on contrasts between the Maison’s traditional motif and the bright colour of the sole, which matches the LV branded lace tips (white, orange, green, Ébène or Éclipse). A second design is available in suede embossed with the Monogram, in either navy blue or mocha. On the rubber sole, traditional nubs have been transformed by pads. While based on the Monogram flowers, their design was also inspired by the unique harmony found in French gardens.

As the very first driving moccasin by Virgil Abloh, the LV Driver is the perfect embodiment of Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire. On each pair, no less than one hour is required for the stitching of the vamps, done entirely by hand. The shoe’s tubular design, ultra-flexible rubber outsole and lack of insole guarantee unparalleled comfort. With a hint of Italian elegance, the LV Driver is above all the epitome of urban modern fashion.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
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Ladies, are you ready for Easter? Throw away your comfy old bunny slippers for a bunnylicious upgrade. Meet STREETZIES High Heel Bunny Slippers that are fun, glamorous, and definitely sexy.

Sometimes it is good to discover your inner child and to play dress-up. Those shoes are synonymous with all the endearing qualities of innocence, youth, fun, whimsy, and personal charm.

Those heels also come as Kitty and Panda slippers.
Bad taste? Yes, maybe. Great fun? Yes, definitely.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: @ Streetzies @ KhrystyAna
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Spring is here and it is time to wear some fancy sandals. Great news is that Sophia Webster has teamed up with LoveShackFancy for a collection of beautiful romantic and playful footwear. Both brands are known and loved for their fabulous, flirty florals, now their designs have blossomed together, uniting through joy and optimism.

I am obsessed with these Lilico Sandals. Click here to see me wear them in a different color combinations.

The collection features some of Sophia Webster‘s most iconic silhouettes with LoveShackFancy‘s beautiful prints, which, together, have produced a line that is literally blooming with delight. This limited edition collection is super exclusive and there aren’t that many to go around!

TO SHOP THE COLLECTION, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © LoveShackFancy and © Sophia Webster
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To get ahead of the fashion game, I prepared a list of must-have shoes that are inspired from the S/S 2022 shoe runway trend report. Just click on the highlighted text to be transferred directly to the respective online shop. Don’t forget, Cinderella is proof, that one shoe can change your life...

LoL, Sandra

FLATS
Lilli grosgrain-trimmed recycled neoprene platform sandals by Chloé

GLADIATOR
Rockstud No Limit leather sandals by Valentino

OPEN LACE
Moonlight ankle boots by Louis Vuitton

OVERKNEES
G-Clog leather over-the-knee boots by Givenchy

PLATFORM
Belle glittered-leather platform sandals by D’Accori

POINTY
Pointy pink high heels by Versace

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands
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If you’re contemplating your next investment purchase when it comes to shoes, have a look at the S/S 2022 shoe trends below. With the new season arriving in stores, there’s no doubt we’re getting all excited about the newest must-haves footwear. A girl can never have too many shoes, isn’t it?!

LoL, Sandra

Flats come in a chunky, padded and ultra-comfortable styles.

Gladiator sandals have marched their way into our summer wardrobes.

Open toes combined with laces make these new hybrid models fun.

Overknee boots are a celebration of individuality and style. These second-skin styles deliver instant sexiness.

The higher the shoe, the closer to heaven.

Back from the ’80s, these ultra-pointy shoes are sharper than ever.

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This week, BIRKENSTOCK and iconic shoe designer Manolo Blahnik announced an upcoming collaboration, showcasing their mastery of craftsmanship and creativity. Inspired by quality and function – the core ingredients of BIRKENSTOCK, Manolo Blahnik unites with the house, furnishing his characteristic embellishments and creative dynamic symbols for iconic BIRKENSTOCK styles.

Two years ago, Manolo Blahnik and his niece, company CEO Kristina Blahnik, were featured in the BIRKENSTOCK S/S 2020 campaign. Photographer Jack Davison lensed the pair in Manolo Blahnik’s first store on Old Church Street, London, wearing their own Birkenstocks. It marked the starting point of an even deeper collaboration—the end result of which is this unique collection.

Manolo and Kristina Blahnik photographed by Jack Davison for the Birkenstock S/S 2020 campaign.

«Birkenstocks have been in my wardrobe since the very beginning (of time!!) – I have loved and worn mine for many years. I am thrilled that we have been able to collaborate, fusing the Manolo Blahnik aesthetic with the everyday comfort of Birkenstocks is simply wonderful!» – Manolo Blahnik

«BIRKENSTOCK share both brand and core design values much like our own and it has been a joy to bring this to life in the new Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK collection. Timeless, high-quality designs, crafted to be treasured and enjoyed is what we set out to create and I am delighted with the outcome. It is a privilege to cement our relationship further with BIRKENSTOCK through this collaboration, following the S/S 2020 Personality Campaign in which my uncle and I featured.» – Kristina Blahnik

The collection reinvents the BIRKENSTOCK style with its proudly glamorous detailing, featuring Manolo Blahnik’s trademark emphasis on all eye-catching details. The nonpareil flair for which Manolo Blahnik is renowned meets the premium craftsmanship of BIRKENSTOCK, creating a capsule at once radically modern and dynamic for both brands. Embellished with crystals and packaged in exclusive polka dot shoebox and dust bag following traditional Manolo Blahnik design, this richly coloured collection accommodates the best elements of both brands–for a remarkable, regal meeting of creative minds.

The first release of the collaboration is set to be unveiled at 1774.com, manoloblahnik.com, all Manolo Blahnik retail locations, as well as selected retailers worldwide from March 24th, 2022. The second release of styles will launch in June 2022.

Arizona crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue
Playful glamour meets everyday style, in Manolo Blahnik’s show-stopping spin on the Arizona sandal. This rich new visions line sublimely reinvents the Arizona with luxurious upper in velvet, microfiber lined French piping, and the inspired embellishment of Birkenstock’s buckle with crystals. Marrying chic and comfort, Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK embraces a soulful spin on favourites. Paired with Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped footbed, this Arizona shows the true potential and everyday glamour that you deserve from your favourite pair.

Boston crystal velvet in fuchsia and blue
A super-star showcase of luxury design and versatile craft, the Boston Crystal Velvet reinvents a classic
for a whole new world of occasions. Inspired and designed by Manolo Blahnik, the premium buckle is
playfully embellished with crystals – marrying this new motif with an incredibly luxurious take on the
clog, including French piping in colour-matching smooth leather. Embrace this regal and remarkable new spin on a favourite shoe, in fuchsia and blue.

Arizona crystal smooth leather in black
The refinery of the iconic BIRKENSTOCK Arizona receives a sparkling twist, courtesy of Manolo Blahnik’s glamorous vision. With the anatomical shaped cork footbed in premium soft leather now accompanied by premium embellished crystals, the Manolo Blahnik for BIRKENSTOCK collaboration envisions a regal and remarkable twist.

Boston crystal smooth leather in Black
Step into a new vision of luxury, thanks to Manolo Blahnik’s dazzling take on the classic Boston clog. Luxurious smooth leather accompanies the crystals now adorning BIRKENSTOCK’s signature buckle–the spirit of craftsmanship that both brands celebrate is glamorously shown. A master of detailing, Manolo Blahnik is the perfect partner for Birkenstock’s unrivalled approach to craftsmanship and style.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Birkenstock / Manolo Blahnik
#manoloblahnikxbirkenstock
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Salvatore Ferragamo is shaking things up with a very exciting appointment. Just a few months after announcing the arrival of Marco Gobbetti as CEO, the Italian label has named 25-year-old emerging British-Trinidadian designer Maximilian Davis its new creative director, replacing Paul Andrew, who exited the Florence-based label last March as part of a major shakeup.

«I am delighted to welcome Maximilian at the house of Ferragamo,» Gobbetti said in a press release. «The clarity of his vision together with the level of execution and his powerful aesthetic make him one of the most brilliant talents of his generation. His work is defined by elegance, refined sensuality, and constant commitment to quality.»

Maximilian’s S/S2021 collection featured cutout dresses, sleek tailoring and beautiful gowns.
TO SHOP MAXIMILAN, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Maximilian Davis

Davis, one of London’s buzziest emerging talents, will join the brand on March 16, 2022. He graduated of the London College of Fashion, and has worked under designers including Wales Bonner, Mowalola, Asai, and Supriya Lele before launching his namesake label in 2020. He was shortlisted for the prestigious LVMH Prize this year, but pulled out of the competition earlier this month.

Salvatore Ferragamo (1898–1960)

Ferragamo has been underperforming lately. Once the Italian House was the world’s most innovative shoemaker, creating major footwear trends like the wedge and the platform.

Salvatore Ferragamo, rainbow wedge sandal (1938)

With the new head designer, the Maison hopes to vamp up its sales by re-energising Ferragamo with a product and marketing refresh. Good luck!
TO SHOP FERRAGAMO ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Salvatore Ferragamo, Net-à-Porter
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