Since the doors first opened in 1925 at the fur and leather shop of Adele and Edoardo Fendi in Rome, the name Fendi has become synonymous with Italian luxury. Known for sumptuous furs and exquisitely worked leather pieces, the line has grown to encompass ready-to-wear, eyewear, timepieces, accessories, fragrances, and shoes as well. This legendary Italian house has continued to distinguish itself under the direction of successive Fendi heirs as well as Karl Lagerfeld who holds the title of Creative Director of Women’s Ready-to-Wear and Fur since joining the House in 1965.
For Spring/Summer 2019, Lagerfeld recently showed at Milan Fashion Week a collection that is a captivating mixture of the beautifully feminine and crisply utilitarian. A color palette of sage, cognac, burgundy, tangerine, white, denim, and sand lend themselves to evoking a feeling of the natural world which play beautifully against patterns of flora and fauna that feature throughout the collection. Italian sensuality is embraced with garments featuring double corsets, nipped waists, and figure hugging silhouettes, yet they are tempered by hints of masculinity and utility like strong shoulders and belted detailing. Fabrications like leather, silk, matte poplin, organza, knit, fur, wool, and PVC continue to perfectly highlight this interplay between the feminine and the masculine. The Iconic Fendi “FF” logo is omnipresent as well, even being embossed on leather garments and accessories alike.
And as for accessories, Silvia Venturini Fendi has distinguished herself as creative Director of Accessories and Menswear since her appointment in the mid 90s. Under her expert eye, Fendi has continued to dominate as an accessories powerhouse with bags like the Peekaboo, 2jours, and Baguette becoming downright iconic. This season actually heralds the return of the famous Baguette and one can assume it will surely become one of the “It Bags” of the year. With sequin embellishments and featuring a new oversized shape, Venturini Fendi has all but assured this bags’ cult status. The newly introduced “Upside Down” folding envelope bag with an FF logo clasp is perfectly at home among the classic bucket and Peekaboo styles that also dominated the runway. The latter being shown with interchangeable handles and novelty utility pockets.
