Sandra‘s Closet

Welcome to Tuscany, where the Gucci headquarters are based in a little town called Casellina, at the gates of Florence. Here Frida Giannini’s beautiful designs come also to life.

Please follow me on an exclusive tour through the bag manufacture:

The first stop is the leather department where the research of fabrics is taking place. When the doors opened, I thought that I had arrived in paradise. Two tables full of the most luxurious materials, from matte crocodile to suede ostrich and colourful python leather. Gucci only uses exotic skins that have a certification to make sure all the guidelines are met.

Crocodile and alligator skins

Matte, rubberized crocodile leather

One of my favourites: The matte suede-effect ostrich leather to the left.

Among the beautiful python samples,…

…I spotted the emerald-coloured one used for my 1973 bag.

The famous interlocking GG started 10-15 years ago with Frida Giannini. Before that time the signature fabric was the one to the right. Frida lives and works in Rome.

One of the most expensive fabrics is still handmade on a wooden loom in a procedure dating back to the 18th century.
It takes the Gucci’s craftsmen one hour to create a maximum of 15cm.

It is truly impressive to see how much work, time and dedication is going into the creation of the right fabrics for a Gucci bag. And all made in Italy!

Next stop is the cutting department where all the important skin materials, such as anaconda, python and lizard, are cut. The artisans have to spend many years working with standard leathers before being allowed to cut noble skins.

The reason is clear: You need lots of skins for an excotic leather bag as the craftsmen have to match the colour and pattern of the skin to achieve maximum beauty. And when it comes to these fine materials, you want to limit the wastage to a minimum.

Third stop: The prototype room. We were not allowed to take photos in there as the Gucci team works one year ahead. My eyes spotted prototypes for 2013 (how exciting!). But I am very sorry, my lips have to be sealed!

90% of the work is done manually in this department. Everything starts with a design. From the paper pattern, the artisans develop a product which after the designer’s, in this case Frida Giannini, final approval will become a sample.

In the prototype room, we were also introduced to the amazing travel trunk which is exclusively done here. Two craftsmen work one entire month on this piece. Design by Tom Ford.

In 2011, ten pieces were done. Among the lucky owners are  John Travolta and Jennifer Lopez.
The price for the travel trunk in fabric as seen here is € 30.000 (special order).

Here are the photos of the crocodile version made out of 23 skins for € 240.000. Divine!

Paulo (in front), who has been with Gucci for 38 years, and Marco are the two artisans producing the travel trunks.

Final stop: The room where the iconic Bamboo handles and accessories are produced.

Gucci uses exclusively Chinese bamboo because of its quality. There is still a lot of wastage as it is very important that the bamboos have a fairly regular diameter and that distance between the noses is equal.
Please enjoy the procedure:

1. Choose the right bamboo and smooth it.

2. Bend it with heat.

3. Give it the burnished colour.

4. Cut and finish it.

5. Apply the sealing wax by hand.

6. The protection will help to maintain its shape.

7. Prepare the wholes for the metal parts to be attached.

Once you see all the work going into a bag, you appreciate it even more. The Gucci people are truly dedicated to their work and you can feel their passion for the product which comes with a very high level of perfection.

No, I didn’t need a doctor even that I went into raptures over the Gucci manufacture. Similiar to a science lab: Some of the workers wear white coats embroidered with the Gucci logo.

Thank you, Gucci, for letting me be part of this amazing experience!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Finally, I went through over 800 photos that I took during my trip with Gucci in Italy last week. During the next days, I will share all those amazing experiences with you. So please stay tuned for my visit to the manufacture in Casellina and much more.

After the Gucci F/W 2012 show in Milan, we went straight to Florence. Those of you, who have been following me for  some time now, know, that my favourite hotel in Florence is the J.K.Place. So you might imagine how happy I was to be back so soon for the Gucci experience.

We had a lovely dinner at the hotel, very “La Dolce Gucci” and went all to bed quite early as the next day promised to be full of adventure.

This was my look, needless to say, head to toe Gucci: Emerald-coloured velvet jacket, velvet pants, silk shirt with ruffles, fur stole, gold horsebit necklace, python pumps and Gucci’s “cult” 1973 bag ( see detailed photos below).

The next day, when I saw with my own eyes at the manufacture how such a luxurious piece is made, “what makes a Gucci bag a Gucci bag”, I was very impressed.

We had so much fun together: Misha from Tokyo (Tokyo Fashion Diaries), Emily (Fashion Foie Gras) and Ella (La Petite Anglaise), both from London with me.

Yummy food, Italian wine, good conversation, what a great night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze4Ever is just amazing. After having been invited for the third time, it feels like visiting old friends. Last night we had dinner at the church Chiesa di Santo Stefano al Ponte which is deconsecrated to make something like this possible. What an atmosphere! A gigantic festive table was waiting with thousands of candles lightening the inside of the church. Please enjoy my photos of last night and all those familiar faces!

Wonderful Laudomia Pucci with me. Remember my interview that I did with her at the last Firenze4Ever. If not, please click here.

From left to right: Andy from Style Scrapbook, shoe designer Diego Dolcini, Laudomia Pucci, Chiara from The Blonde Salad and me

From left to right: Famous Bryan Boy (love him), me, Rumy from Fashiontoast and Tina from Bagsnob…

…looking so stylish in her striped woven dress by Thakoon.

My look: Panther-print dress and clutch by Givenchy, studded suede platform sandals
by Yves Saint Laurent, watch by Roger Dubuis and bangle by Stella McCartney.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Sian Oflaherty, Sandra Bauknecht © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from Florence! This is my wonderful view from my penthouse suite at my beloved J.K. Place hotel (Thank you for the upgrade by the way!). What looks so lovely today, looked quite different last night:

Yesterday, I had the worst day of travelling. I arrived at the Zurich airport around 11am for my flight to Florence which was supposed to leave around 12.50pm. Due to the terrible stormy weather conditions, my flight among many others got cancelled. When I finally flew around 7pm, I was asking myself the whole plane ride if I was insane to board this aircraft. We hit the remnants of the storm over the alps, bumpy would be a very soft word to describe what happened. I literally had the feeling that the plane would break in half and people were sitting in the emergency landing position! 
After the landing, the female pilot thanked us for having stayed with her. Questions is where could we have gone?!

I would have loved to show you the first party pictures from Firenze4Ever – 4th edition but unfortunately the party was over upon my very late arrival in Florence. So I ordered a very yummy room service and stayed in.

Below you can see some hints of my upcoming outfits here in Florence! Do you know the print?

I tend to pack too much… this time probably too many bags!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“For the 4th edition of Firenze4Ever, and the launch of the S/S 2012 collections, a PINK CARPET will welcome the most influential fashion and music bloggers from all corners of the world.”

Today, I am flying to Florence for the fourth edition of Luisa Via Roma’s Firenze4Ever. As you can imagine, I am so excited to be invited again…

Stay tuned for many posts on this exciting event.

LoL, Sandra

Luisa Via Roma is running an exciting competition: This is your chance to WIN A 30K SHOPPING SPREE! To take part in this contest, simply click on the highlighted text or the ad below and create a total look using items from the website.

Publish your creation with a short description to explain the idea behind the look. The author of the look that receives the most votes from the public and the jury, will win a 30,000 Euro shopping spree with the exclusive opportunity to come to the latest edition of FIRENZE4EVER in January. This is a unique experience where the winner will take part in a “shop till you drop” session in Luisa Via Roma’s flagship store in the heart of Florence with one of the top fashion bloggers who will act as a personal shopper.

All entries must be received by the 7th of December (for further contest rules, please visit the Luisa Via Roma website). The winner will be announced in December. Firenze4Ever is to take place between the 5th and 8th January 2012. I will be there and would love to meet one of my readers! Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

I left Florence filled with amazing memories and fully inspired. Stay tuned for many great photos and trend reports to be published soon.

When I am flying, I like to be comfy. Therefore I wore my grey sweatsuit by Stella McCartney Cruise 2011 along with my suede flat boots by Louis Vuitton Cruise 2011 and the fur jacket by Prada. Scarf by Matthew Williamson and hat by Balenciaga. As my suitcase was very heavy, I decided to take two pieces of hand luggage, my black Swarovski crystals embellished Balmain cross over suede bag and my leopard print Céline Boston tote.

Daniel from Stockholm Streetstyle took some great photos of me in front of the hotel and posted them on Caroline’s and his blog.

 

By the way, the hotel J.K.Place was gorgeous. Located in the heart of downtown Florenze, in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, in walking distance of all sightseeing attractions and shopping streets, it is a very special hotel experience. Small with only 20 rooms and suites, it doesn’t seem to be a hotel, it feels more like somebody’s house. There is one large breakfast table to accommodate all hotel guests in the morning. The interior design is very tasteful, contemporary and cozy. The service is outstanding, I have never felt so much at home in a hotel.
The best choice for fashionable people to stay in Florence!

Enjoy the photos, they are a feast for the eyes!

LoL, Sandra

Today, it was a more relaxing day, recovering from last night. I went on a little shopping tour around the city in my galaxy-print dress by Christopher Kane combined with my fur vest by Miu Miu, grey gauntlets by Stella McCartney and studded biker boots by Miu Miu. Scarf by Gucci, bag by Balmain. Below you will find just a few impressions from my walk…

Now I am at the hotel getting some rest for the big party tonight.
Will keep you posted on that.

LoL, Sandra

As you might already know, I love perfume, especially extraordinary fragrances.
In the beginning of September, I was very lucky to visit one of the most outstanding perfumers worldwide in his studio overlooking the rooftops of Florence: Lorenzo Villoresi.

This view is truly inspiring, as well as his laboratory is where you are only guided by your senses. „I wanted to realize a dream. Spices and essences have always fascinated me. Perfumery became my passion and later on my profession“.

His talent is not the fruit of specialised schools or master perfumers, but one which developed gradually thanks to his university studies in Biblical Philology and Ancient Philosophy, which in turn led him to travel extensively in the Middle East.

The experiences he gained there combined with the natural products  of his native Tuscany make his creations so special.

In 1990, he fulfilled his vision and founded his Maison of Perfume in an ancient palace in Via dei Bardi in Florence where he focuses on the great traditions of Florentine perfumery and the original methods which have been used in this craft for many years.

In 2006, he won as the first Italian and independent creator of fragrances, the prestigious Prix Coty, which can only be awarded once in a perfumer’s lifetime.

Donna and Uomo were the names given to Lorenzo Villoresi’s first collection, after which he focused on the creation of monothematic fragrances which included his own personal interpretations of classic themes such as Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Incenses, Spices, Vetiver and Wild Lavender.  Those classic fragrances come in the blue bottles.

The green packaging stands for the Olea Europaea collection that is based on olive-oil offering products for the body, bath and hair.

His so-called fantasy fragrances currently draw inspiration from actual „olfactory visions“ which conjure up exotic and mystical worlds, moods and settings, including among others:

the suggestive Piper Nigrum (fresh, aromatic, spicy and peppery with reminiscences of oriental and arab markets),

the warm Alamut (rich, opulent and velvety flowers of a Thousand and One Nights, a sensual journey to the Orient),

and my absolut favourite, the sophisticated Teint de Neige, „the colour of snow“.

Teint de Neige consists of  powdery and sweet notes of jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang on a base of musk, Tonka beans and heliotrope. The  aroma is delicately permeated by the richness of the natural extracts of precious flowers, recalling the light, images and atmosphere of the belle-époque.

A whole range of products is available from shower gel to body cream, from scented candles to room fragrances featuring this wonderful scent.

If you have always dreamt of having your own custom-made fragrance, Lorenzo Villoresi’ s atelier would be the place to go. During your appointment, you are spending 2-3 hours approximately with the artist himself. Your „tailor-made“ fragrance is then the result of a direct exchange between you and him; desires, words and feelings are processed together and transformed into a perfume.
Villoresi becomes a sort of Demiurge who, through his intellectual capacity and technical skills, can translate the essence of an ambition, dream or adventure into a fragrant product.

At the end of your appointment the personalised fragrance will be consigned to you. The price starts from €3600.-.
You have different options to choose from. One could be for example that you get the following:

1 Perfume 30ml in a crystal bottel with sterling silver top and label
1 Perfume 30ml in a glass bottle
1 blown glass funnel
1 velvet pouch
1 Exclusive fragrance certificate
1 Eau de Toilette 100ml in an extra bottle, with silver plated top and label
1 Eau de Toilette 100ml in  a glass bottle

Villoresi describes his Haute Couture of the Senses like this: „ A perfume should provide a privileged insight into your own personal essence, a clue to your innermost thoughts and journeys of the soul; a door which can either be kept locked or left wide open, leading to opportunities, games and seduction.“
The genius could probably use a perfume rather than words to describe how he feels and also mentiones: „Perfumery is an unlimited world. In the creation of a scent it is possible to recall a feeling or a place, to move to an imaginary space or to invent new emotional dimensions“.

Lorenzo Villoresi also offers a wide range of wonderful home products from pot pourris and scented sachets to jars and dishes to exalt the beauty of your chosen fragranced leaves and woods. Scented candles are also available along with aromitizers and room fragrances with reed diffusers (launched last month).

Two new creations were introduced last year: the incense and perfumed crystals. Conceived from a deep knowledge and love for the Orient, they have been created for perfuming living spaces in a sophisticated way.

Interesting to know is that the term “perfume” comes from Per-Fumum: through smoke, referring to the sacred fumigations to offer thanks to the gods. The incense has always been linked to the world of perfume and can create a magical atmosphere in any room.

 

The maestro is recently in the process of building the Academy of the Art of Perfume, the world’s first interactive atelier, dedicated to essences and perfumes.

In the ancient family Palace in Via dei Bardi, Villoresi realizes his long-life dream: a centre, split on three floors with an internal garden, aromatic terraces and botanical trails, divided according different themes and study areas, where visitors can discover and delve into the ancient secrets of the art of perfumery and spice hunting.

The “wunderkammer” is said to open next year. I cannot wait to go there on a journey to stimulate my inner senses and to indulge in one of my biggest passions: perfumes!

If you are interested, Lorenzo Villoresi products are available through his online shop and in Zurich at Perfumery Osswald.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lorenzo Villoresi and © Sandra Bauknecht