Fendi’s centennial was a heartfelt affair at Milan Fashion Week, with Silvia Venturini Fendi—the house’s artistic director of accessories and menswear—celebrating the legacy of the Roman brand with a show centered on love, heritage, and family.
A Generational Tribute
The show marked a historic moment for the Fendi family. Venturini Fendi, the third-generation matriarch of the house, invited guests with a personalized photo album, showcasing childhood memories. Her 7-year-old grandsons, Dardo and Tazio Vascellari Fendi, made their runway debut in a recreated equestrian ensemble originally designed by Karl Lagerfeld for their grandmother when she was their age. This touching tribute highlighted Fendi’s deep-rooted generational craftsmanship.
Reinventing Fendi’s Iconic Bags
Instead of an overly nostalgic archive dive, Venturini Fendi offered a fresh reinterpretation of Fendi’s most beloved bags. The Baguette, immortalized by Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, was reimagined with shearling intarsia, while the Peekaboo top-handle from 2008 featured fluted suede techniques. The 2005 Spy carryall was given a modern twist with a deconstructed twisted shearling handle—a blend of tradition and innovation.
A Star-Studded Front Row
The centennial celebration wasn’t just about the runway—it was a moment of cultural significance. Sitting front row was Sarah Jessica Parker, who helped cement the Baguette’s legendary status in pop culture.
A Century of Craftsmanship and Love
From its humble beginnings in 1925 Rome, when Edoardo and Adele Fendi first opened their boutique specializing in Selleria-stitched handbags, to becoming a global fashion powerhouse, Fendi’s 100-year journey has been built on family, craftsmanship, and evolution. As the fifth generation of Fendis steps into the spotlight, the future of the house looks as rich and storied as its past.
