Demna Appointed Artistic Director of Gucci

Georgian designer Demna is leaving Balenciaga after a decade to become Gucci’s new Artistic Director, starting early July 2025.

During a surprise press conference at the Parisian headquarters of parent company Kering, the newly instated Gucci CEO Stefano Cantino said: «I have always admired Demna’s creative approach, that is both unique and powerful. His ability to honor the iconic legacy of a brand while embracing a modern sensibility is extraordinary. With Gucci’s strengthened foundations as a springboard, Demna will lead the House towards renewed fashion authority and enduring cultural relevance

At the Balenciaga F/W 24 show in Paris wearing Demna’s designs head to toe.

Both Gucci and Balenciaga, where Demna has been creative director for nearly 10 years, are owned by Kering. At Balenciaga, Demna has redefined modern luxury, earning global recognition and cementing his authority on the industry.

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is renowned for eclectic and contemporary creations that represent the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and are unsurpassed in quality, attention to detail and imaginative design.

Demna said: «I am truly excited to join the Gucci family. It is an honor to contribute to a House that I deeply respect and have long admired. I look forward to writing together with Stefano and the whole team a new chapter of Gucci’s amazing story

Gucci hasn’t set a date for Demna’s debut show, but it isn’t expected to come before September. That means Gucci’s next big moment on the fashion calendar — a May 15th cruise show in Florence, the brand’s birthplace — will be another studio-designed affair.

LoL, Sandra

Photo Credit: © Demna, © Sandra Bauknecht
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Sabato De Sarno Exits Gucci

Gucci today announces the end of its collaboration with Creative Director Sabato De Sarno after only two years. The F/W 2025 fashion show in Milan on February 25 will be presented by the Gucci design office. The new Artistic Direction will be announced in due time.

Stefano Cantino, CEO of Gucci, said: «I would like to express my deep gratitude to Sabato for his passion and dedication to Gucci. I sincerely appreciate how he honored Gucci’s craftsmanship and heritage with such commitment

Francesca Bellettini, Kering Deputy CEO in charge of Brand Development, declared: «I sincerely thank Sabato for his loyalty and professionalism. I am proud of the work that has been done to further strengthen Gucci’s fundamentals. Stefano and the new Artistic Direction will continue to build on this and to guide Gucci towards renewed fashion leadership and sustainable growth.»

Gucci Ancora Campaign by David Sims S/S 2024

Personally speaking, De Sarno have been praised for his collections which I have never understood. I found his collections for Gucci so boring and felt I had everything already in my closet from previous years from designers who were at the reigns before him. The sizing was also absolutely bad.

Gucci gave no hint of who might replace De Sarno but there’s no shortage of big names available, or potentially available, with plenty of speculation about star creatives soon to move on from their existing labels. For now though, we’ll just have to wait and see.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Gucci
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My Look: 90’s Vibes

Last week’s gala episode of MY STYLE ROCKS was all about the 90s. A decade that I lived and that was all about bold style, laid-back vibes, and iconic trends that still influence fashion today! From grunge flannels, fuzzy hats and ripped jeans to hip-hop baggy fits and sleek minimalist slip dresses, the decade was a perfect mix of cool and carefree. Think platform shoes, Doc Martens, chokers, crop tops, checked mini skirts and tracksuits—whether inspired by Clueless, Friends, or your favorite boy band, 90s fashion was effortlessly fun and full of personality!

As you know, I have been collecting fashion for more than 30 years. For this episode I dived into my closet and looked for pieces that I actually wore in the 90s. I had designed the bag along with the matching T-shirts during my time at Sonia Rykiel in Paris. Originally created for the people backstage at the S/S 1999 show, Sonia decided to produce them for the actual collection as she liked them a lot.

My look: Appliquéd printed cotton-jersey sweatshirt by Dolce & Gabbana, neon pink cropped top (S/S 1995), and black hot pants (S/S 2022), both by CHANEL, checked mini skirt (S/S 1998) by D&G, printed wool bag (S/S 1999) by Sonia Rykiel, triangle-logo scrunchie, crystal scrunchie, and fuzzy hat in lilac, all by Pradaleather, faux pearl and crystal chokericon by Alessandra Rich, 90’s vintage sunglasses by Guccicreoles by Dior, black tights with crystals by Calzedonia, and Strike leather ankle boots by Balenciaga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @aydogmus.ea
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My Look: Let’s Party!

Let’s party and celebrate the 50th episode of MY STYLE ROCKS, that aired this week. I wore this look for the first time and adore the color combination of light blue that is blending seamlessly with the richness of burgundy and a touch of pink. By adding a sprinkle of vintage glamour with the turban, the outfit got a fun and quirky edge, bringing the old-fashioned alive with a fresh perspective. Let the past inspire the future – style reimagined, bold, and make it uniquely yours, where timeless elegance meets a playful twist!

My look: Ruffled fil coupé cotton wrap skirt, and matching fil coupé cotton blouse, both by Marc JacobsThe Whirl leather clutch in pinkicon by Bottega Veneta, gathered silk-satin head scarficon by Valentinohorsebit-embellished logo-debossed leather platform slingback pumpsicon by Gucci, and earrings by CHANEL.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / @aydogmus.ea
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My Look: ‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly

‘Tis the season to be jolly … Merry Christmas to all of you! The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, and festive cheer, and my outfit reflects just that! I am so happy to be spending the festive days with my family in Zurich.

My look: Wool-jersey bodysuiticon, bubble wool-blend cuffsicon, and bouclè wool-blend mini skirticon, all by Alaïa, vintage fox fur cape by Givenchy, black Medusa Aevitas platform pumps with studded heelicon by Versace, crystal-embellished sunglasses by Guccigold-plated Swarovski crystal clip earrings, and Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bagicon, both by Dolce & Gabbana.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: 80s

Last week’s gala episode of MY STYLE ROCKS was all about the 1980s. I love this era as it was all about bold, loud, and unapologetic fashion! Think big everything—from oversized shoulder pads to voluminous hair. Neon colors, metallics, and animal prints dominated wardrobes, while leg warmers and spandex became gym-to-street staples. Preppy looks with popped collars and designer logos contrasted with edgy punk styles, featuring ripped jeans and studded leather. Accessories were just as over-the-top, with chunky jewelry, gloves, and fanny packs stealing the spotlight. Whether inspired by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Dynasty or Wall Street’s power suits, the 80s were a decade where more was definitely more!

My look: Double-breasted wool-blend blazer with oversized shouldersicon, and matching green mini skirt, both by Balenciaga, black tulle gloves with GG motificon by Gucci, Mitza ring by Dior Fine Jewellery, wide chain bracelet by CHANELivory oyster enamel mother of pearl brooch by Burberry, hoop-drop clip earringsiconclassic Paris D’Orsay pumps with bow, metallic-trimmed leather clutchblack chiffon bow choker necklace, and wide-brimmed rabbit and cotton-blend felt fedora, all by Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Halil Ibrahim Özbay
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The Vanity Bag

There is no doubt that the vanity bag – preferably in burgundy – is the F/W 2024 staple in the wardrobes of those in the know. While the rich burgundy hue appears every fall and winter to replace summer’s brights and pastels, the shade has gotten new life.

Rising designer prices had been prompting Gen Z to repurpose vanity bags as clutches. I mean for a modest cost, you can buy beauty products and receive a complimentary designer vanity bag, enjoying the same luxury experience. High end designer brands transform these shapes now into the new must-have handbags, needless to say for a higher amount, as demonstrated by iconic designs such as the Loro Piana Pouch Bag and Bottega Veneta’s latest Bang Bang style.

This is how a trend is born, these bags perfectly combine style and utility. Below are the best ones available at the moment.

LoL, Sandra

Gaby Vanity leather shoulder bagicon by Saint Laurent

Bang Bang Vanity mini intrecciato leather toteicon by Bottega Veneta

Mini pouch bagicon by Loro Piana

Mini camelia shoulder bag by Furla

Burgundy velvet vanity bag by Roger Vivier

Shoulder bag in GG leather by Gucci

Photos: © Courtesy of the Brands
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My Look: Color Blocking

One episode of My Style Rocks Germany was about «color blocking,» when two or more colors are combined or stacked in blocks in mostly bright colour. I pushed the accelerator on the provocation with this bold color palette of orange, yellow and blue, featuring new pieces and vintage ones from my closet. Those vibrant hues combined stimulate energy and happiness.

My look: Orange silk jacket, blue silk shirt, and matching bag with leather tassels, all by Gucci (S/S 2011 Collection), yellow pants by Moschinohoop-drop clip earringsicon by Saint Laurent, Aevitas Pointy satin platform pumps by Versace, and silk hair band by Prada (Resort 2019).

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht /  Beyza Babacan
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My Look: Montreux

Greetings from Montreux where fashion meets art at the lake. Ken Price (1935 – 2012) was a Californian artist, born and raised in Los Angeles, whose esoteric style defied categorization. Calling on eclectic influences from Mexican folk art to erotica and surf culture, his output included vibrant landscapes that have become the focus of Loewe’s capsule collection – a selection of limited edition ready-to-wear, iconic bags and accessories.

When Price died in 2012, his obituaries universally acknowledged the scale of his impact on modern and contemporary art. The New York Times described him as «one of the outstanding artists of postwar America», while the Washington Post noted his role in «expanding orthodox definitions of American and European sculpture.»

My look: Cropped asymmetric denim jacketicon, and Tread Slick canvas and rubber exaggerated-sole ankle bootsicon, both by Alexander McQueen, printed cotton hoodieicon, and matching small La Palme Heel bagicon, both by Loewe x Ken Price, track pants in salmon by Moschino, wide bow hair clip by Jennifer Behr, and crystal-embellished sunglasses by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / David Biedert Photography
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My Look: Party Time

Party time in Athens with my dear friend Mary Katrantzou. Great memories of a legendary night and the start of an amazing new adventure. My white jumpsuit couldn’t have been a better choice, like a plain white canvas waiting to be filled with something exciting.

My look: White jumpsuit with crinoline legs by Alaïa, Horsebit 1955 mini leather-trimmed crystal-embellished canvas-jacquard shoulder bagiconby Gucci, Tribute woven leather platform sandals by Saint Laurent, and bi-color heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Rian Davidson 
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