Fendi celebrated its 100 years of delivering unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless fashion with a runway show that seamlessly blended past and future. Orchestrated by Silvia Venturini Fendi, the artistic director and granddaughter of the house’s founders, the collection brought together men’s and women’s silhouettes in a masterclass of Roman elegance.
The artistic director drew from personal memories, both real and imagined, to craft a narrative that honored the brand’s deep-rooted history while embracing modernity. The setting paid homage to the historic salons of Fendi’s original boutique on Via Borgognona in Rome, where the five Fendi sisters, Alda, Anna, Carla, Franca, and Paola once shaped the house’s identity.
Jewelry designer Delfina Delettrez Fendi’s twin sons opened the show’s doors, signaling a new era for Fendi, a house built on generations of savoir-faire and an unyielding vision for the future.
The show opened with a striking statement, a flared high-collar coat worn as a dress, cinched at the waist with a delicate gold belt. A brilliant play of structure and movement that saw fur techniques give a new life to shearling.
Sculpting silhouettes echoed the hourglass, which is also a motif of infinity. Satin skirts, flounced jackets and rounded shoulders created fluid, feminine shapes, while ribbed knit dresses cascaded into curled lettuce hems. Leather patchwork took center stage in A-line chevron skirts.
Color played a crucial role, evoking the romantic hues of Rome at dusk. A palette ranging from deep forest green and petrol blue to fiery terracotta and rose mirrored the city’s ever-changing skyline.
Tailoring remained a pillar of the collection, with bracelet-sleeve blazers, stovepipe trousers, and deconstructed boiled wool coats featuring bold satin revers. The meticulous construction showcased Fendi’s commitment to refined craftsmanship, a legacy built over a century.
Accessories paid tribute to the brand’s origins as a purveyor of fine stoles and handbags. Shearling stoles were elegantly draped over lingerie dresses and tailored collars, while leather artistry reached new heights in reversible Selleria coats and opulent iterations of the house’s most beloved bags.
The iconic Spy Bag, Peekaboo, and Baguette were reimagined with intricate embellishments, while the newly introduced Fendi Giano and Fendi Lui bags made their runway debut.
The interplay of matte and gloss continued in the collection’s final touches. Crystal embroidery shimmered across garments, while Ms. Delettrez Fendi’s jewelry enhanced the collection.
The collection screamed Italian elegance, but in the very sophisticated way that is characteristic of Fendi. It seemed like the best of Fendi from across the 100 years had descended on the runway.
With Ms. Venturini Fendi at the helm, the house continues to push boundaries to present true craftsmanship that transcends time. As Fendi steps into its second century, the collection stood as both a reverent nod to its legacy and a bold statement of what lies ahead.
